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Minimally Invasive Women's Surgery


Cervical Polyp Removal/Polypectomy

A cervical polypectomy is an office procedure to remove small growths called polyps.

Cervical polyps are growths of tissue on the cervix that are usually non-cancerous and don't typically cause symptoms. However, a small percentage of cervical polyps can undergo changes that make them precancerous or cancerous. For this reason, it's advisable to have cervical polyps removed via polypectomy.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Polypectomy is an outpatient procedure typically performed in a doctor's office or outpatient clinic. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to expose the cervix. For polyps with a "stalk," they can usually be removed by using forceps to grasp and gently twist the polyp until it is released from the cervix.

For those without a stalk, called broad-based polyps, a local anesthetic is injected into the cervix and a heated wire loop is used to surround the polyp and burn it off the surface of the cervix. No matter which method is used, a sample of the removed polyp is sent to the lab for analysis to detect any potentially cancerous cells.

The procedure is not painful, but a dull ache or cramping may be present during and after. A watery discharge or light bleeding after the procedure is normal. Sexual intercourse and tampons should be avoided until the discharge and/or bleeding has subsided (usually two to four weeks). ​

If you have been diagnosed with cervical polyps that need to be removed for further analysis, contact Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Houston to schedule an appointment for a minimally invasive polypectomy.

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