Ovarian Polyps: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Ovarian Polyps are unusual tissue growths that form over the ovary’s surface. Usually the ovarian polyps can be categorized as two types - Pedunculated and Sessile. In the Pedunculated type of ovarian polyp the polyp fixes itself on the ovary via a stem called as Pedicle. Whereas in case of the Sessile type, the polyp forms directly over the surface of the ovary.

Usually polyps of small sizes do not affect normal functioning of the body and therefore may remain undetected. Once identified, they may not be required to be removed immediately. However they should be constantly monitored for any growth spurts and other complications. These polyps are caused by hormonal imbalance in the body and specifically because of the level of estrogen circulating in the body. When these polyps grow too much in size, they start exerting excess pressure on the nearby organs resulting in cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding, back pain and a variety of other problems. Sometimes these polyps may also contain cancerous cells and can cause uterine cancer or infertility as well.

The growth of polyps can be controlled through natural methods that control the hormone level like diet, etc in mild cases. However in severe cases surgery is required for removal of these polyps.

Usually the presence of polyps can be identified through simple procedures like ultrasounds, MRI scans and x- rays. Through these test the size, shape and type of ovarian polyp is determined. Once diagnosed, they are monitored for increase in size through regular periodic checkups and medication or surgery may be recommended based on the analysis by the gynecologist. Using medications that regulate hormone levels of estrogen, etc. can stop growth in small polyps. However this is a temporary measure and the polyps may start growing again if the medication is stopped. Surgery is the most effective treatment out there and is required eventually. Surgical removal of the polyps may be done using the hysteroscopy technique. In this process, a small scope is passed into the intrauterine cavity via the cervix. Once the exact location of the polyp has been found, using an instrument called resectoscope the polyp is removed. In certain cases polyps may also reoccur after removal. In such cases the lining of the uterus wall is removed. To prevent general discomfort to the patient, anesthesia or painkillers may be given. Usually the surgical process is an outpatient procedure and takes around 1- 2 hour. The patient can go home the same day itself as that of the surgery.

Once the polyp is identified , it does not mean you have to go for surgery immediately. Usually the gynecologists study your diagnosis and then based on their recommendation you may go for surgery immediately or after sometime in which periodic checkups to monitor your condition may be done

There is excessive bleeding as a temporary side effect of the surgery. Hence, if you have bleeding disorders you have to consult with the doctors first regarding this and based on their recommendation only, you can go for the surgeries

Apart from the temporary side effects of cramps and excessive bleeding for a week or two post surgery, there are no major side effects. If the bleeding and cramps persist then there is a chance that the surgical process may have damaged the wall of the uterus in case of which you need to consult a doctor and may need to go for a surgery to repair the damage. In very rare cases infection may also happen post surgery. This can be treated through medication.

Since you may have excessive blood loss post surgery, hence your blood count may fall. Therefore you should follow a diet that will increase your blood platelet count. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and artichokes, nuts, citrus fruits and lean meats like fish, chicken are rich in protein, zinc, vitamin B12 and many other vitamins that help in increasing blood platelet production. Additionally you should do gentle exercise like brisk walking, simple stretches, etc. which help in reducing cramps and pain. Avoid resuming work immediately and take a week or two off so that muscles can heal up properly. Additionally also avoid stressful activities that involve heavy lifting.

Usually a week or two atmost is the time taken for recovering from the surgery

The cost of hysteroscopy surgery usually falls in the range of Rs. 30,000 – 50,000.

Once the polyp is identified , it does not mean you have to go for surgery immediately. Usually the gynecologists study your diagnosis and then based on their recommendation you may go for surgery immediately or after sometime in which periodic checkups to monitor your condition may be done

Homeopathic medicines can be used as alternative measures for controlling growth of polyps. Additionally another surgical process called dilation and curettage apart from hysteroscopy is sometimes used in case of ovarian polyp removal