Polypectomy and the Resectr™ Treatment

Everything you need to know about the state-of-the-art Resectr™ tool

Resectr™ treatment refers to a type of polypectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure using an instrument obtained from Boston Scientific known as a Resectr™ tool.

Resectr treatments are performed in an ambulatory surgical facility, a physician's office or in a hospital. During the polypectomy, doctors remove polyps found in the cervix or uterus. The growths form on the endometrial lining and may or may not have symptoms, but many women experience unusual bleeding or have irregular periods. The growths may also inhibit a woman's ability to become pregnant. Polyps found in menopausal women often cause vaginal bleeding.

While the majority of growths are benign, some are malignant.

What are polyps?

“Polyps” refer to the development of abnormal tissue that differs in size from a few millimeters to more than two inches in width. The growths initially looks like small stalks that mature and appear similar to mushrooms or finger-like protrusions. Women may have multiple polyps of varied sizes in the cervix, uterus or both locations.

What’s a polypectomy procedure like?

When a woman arrives at our facility to undergo a polypectomy cervix or a polypectomy uterus, a nurse takes her vital signs, explains the procedure, and obtains the patient's written permission. The patient may be asked to empty her bladder during this time, the patient removes her clothes and dons a hospital gown. The physician may administer a mild sedative. Some practitioners require that patients receive an IV port in her arm or hand.

The patient is instructed to lie on the examination table with her legs and feet in stirrups. The physician then begins the procedure by cleansing the vaginal area with an antiseptic solution. The patient receives a local anesthetic.

The OB/GYN inserts a small camera into the cervix or uterus, depending on where the removal process must occur. The area might be inflated with gas or a liquid to separate the tissues and provide a clearer view of the region.

The Resectr tool is then inserted through the vagina and into the cervix or uterus. The handheld tool is designed to gradually cut away the polyp while suctioning the loose tissue. Patients experience minimal, if any, bleeding during the procedure.

Some women report feeling a slight pinching sensation and cramping during the polypectomy. However, the sensations experienced are generally tolerable. The entire process takes only 20-60 minutes, depending on the number of polyps requiring removal.

How long is the recovery after a polypectomy?

Immediately following the procedure, the patient is typically observed for 10-60 minutes. Women are often advised to rest the remainder of the day at home. Depending on the extent of the procedure, some patients are advised to refrain from performing activities or attending work for up to 24 hours.

Patients may experience mild abdominal cramping during the first 2 days. As tissue continues “sloughing” (shedding dead tissue), patients commonly experience some bleeding for up to 5 days after the procedure. As the discharge lessens, the flow turns brown, then stops.

If a patient experiences intense pain, fever or heavy bleeding, she should notify her physician immediately. Women are typically advised not to douche or have sex for at least 1 week after the polypectomy.

Where can I get a minimally invasive polypectomy?

All About Women is excited to offer this minimally invasive procedure using the state-of-the-art Resectr tool to women across North Florida. We provide patient-focused services to women of all ages. Visit one of our offices (in Gainesville and Lake City) to talk to our compassionate OB/GYNs about if a polypectomy is right for you.