Cervical polyp: evaluation of current treatment

Gynecol Obstet Invest. 1994;37(1):56-8. doi: 10.1159/000292522.

Abstract

The removal of a cervical polyp is routinely accompanied by a fractionated dilatation and curettage (D&C) in various institutions. In order to assess the necessity of performing a D&C on all the patients admitted with the diagnosis of a cervical polyp, we reviewed the charts of 362 patients admitted for a cervical polypectomy and D&C during a 5-year period. The procedure was performed on a day clinic basis under general anesthesia. No serious complications were noted. In 218 women (60%) the discovery of the cervical polyp was incidental and in this group no malignant change was found in the polyp or in the endometrium. Six cases of atypical hyperplasia and 2 cases of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium were found in the symptomatic group of patients (40%). Removal of the polyp as an outpatient procedure is recommended of the asymptomatic patient. Hospitalization and removal of the polyp under general anesthesia, accompanied by D&C should be reserved for the symptomatic patients only, or even then, replaced by ambulatory polypectomy and endometrial sampling.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Curettage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyps / pathology
  • Polyps / surgery*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / surgery*