Tag Archive for: polyps

Got fibroids? Got polyps?… Get Symphion!

What is Symphion?

It is a hysteroscopic (very small camera/telescope that goes into the uterus) tool used to remove fibroids and/or polyps without having to cut or remove any part of the uterus. Also, it’s an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.

So, what are fibroids?

wud_myosure02These are very common non-cancerous tissue growths in the uterus. The size and number of these fibroids is variable… can be a single fibroid or multiple fibroids, and can range from very small to the size of a cantaloupe. They can be found on a stalk inside or outside the uterus. They can also be found in any layer of the uterus: in the muscle wall (intramural), under the outer layer (subserosal), or just below the inner lining of the uterus (submucosal).

 

So, what are polyps?

wud_myosure03These are small protrusions of the uterine lining (endometrium) that grow, become fragile, and start to bleed. Here is a picture of two polyps and the Symphion device.

 

 

 

So, are polypectomies and myomectomies safe? Effective?

With a hysteroscopic approach or with Symphion, the complication rate is less than 1%. The procedure is 90% effective in reducing heavy bleeding and recurrence rates at 2 years are less than 10% for fibroids and less than 3% for polyps.

What are the steps of the procedure?

  1. Your doctor will gently open your cervix and insert a very slender camera into your uterus.
  2. After visualizing the polyp or fibroid, a slender wand-like device is passed through the camera/telescope into your uterus. This wand suctions and cuts the fibroid or polyp into very small pieces and removes the tissue.
  3. Once the polyp/fibroid is completely removed, the wand and camera are removed. Nothing is left in your body after the procedure.

What’s the recovery like and what can I expect after the Symphion procedure?

Some women have mild cramping, for which most only need over the counter pain medicine. Most women are back to normal activities within a day or two. You are unlikely to have any complications, but call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:

  • Fever > 100.4°F
  • Increasing pain not relieved by pain meds
  • Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath
  • Bowel or bladder problems
  • Greenish vaginal discharge

When will I know how well the procedure worked?

This varies for every woman, but plan to give your body approximately 3 months to fully heal. By then you and your doctor should be able to tell what your cycles are going to be like.