Polyp or Fibroid removal under Local Anaesthetic via Myosure Hysteroscopy

Polyp or Fibroid removal under Local Anaesthetic via Myosure Hysteroscopy

What is Myosure Hysteroscopy and why have I been recommended this
treatment?

MyoSure is a treatment to remove polyps or small fibroids from within the uterus (womb).
Some women may already know that they have polyps or small fibroids because they
have previously had a diagnostic hysteroscopy (telescopic camera into the uterus).

A polyp is a small lump of tissue that can grow on the lining of the uterus and a fibroid
is a usually a benign (non-cancerous) growth but sometimes they may have area of
abnormal pre-cancer or cancer cells. They can contribute to abnormal vaginal bleeding
and so removal of them can be recommended. Treatment with Myosure is quick and
convenient and if you wanted to, you can conceive again after this treatment.

What are the benefits?

• Our aim is to avoid the use of a general anaesthetic (fully asleep) so that your
  recovery is faster and it is less disruptive to your life.
• It is especially suitable if you have other health conditions that make a general
  anaesthetic higher risk
• A shorter time spent in hospital also reduces risk of hospital acquired infection

Are there any risks?

• You may experience some pelvic discomfort like period cramps but you will be able
  to have some pain relief
• Some women feel a little light headed or faint during/after the procedure but this is
  usually short-lived
• There is a small risk of infection
• A small risk of perforation (small hole in the wall of the uterus) but this is very rare
  (1 in 1000 women)

How effective is this treatment?
On questioning, more than 97% of women are satisfied with the outcome of Myosure
Hysteroscopy. From our previous experience we have been able to remove polyps and
small fibroids with a 95% success rate.

What can I do to prepare?

• Please eat and drink normally before your procedure but avoiding a heavy meal.
  Eating and drinking may also help you from feeling lightheaded during/following the
  procedure

• There is a risk that your procedure will be cancelled if there is a chance of very early
  pregnancy. In order to be sure you are not pregnant at the time of the procedure you
  must not have sex or you must use reliable contraception between the first day of the
  last NORMAL period to the date of procedure.

• Please take your usual medications unless you are taking blood thinning medication
  such as Clopidogrel or Warfarin. You should have been given instructions on how
  and when to stop taking this by the doctor at the time of your referral to us. If you are
  unsure regarding this please contact us on the number below to speak to the
  specialist nurse.

• Please contact us at the unit (see number below) as soon as possible if you are due
  to attend but have not stopped this or your instructions are unclear.

What will happen on the day of the procedure?

• You will be seen by the health care professional performing the procedure who will
  talk through the risks and intended benefits of the procedure. You can then sign a
  consent form to inform us that you agree to proceed

• You will be prescribed some pain relief and anti-sickness medication to help you
  during the procedure

• The necessary checks and paperwork will be completed before and during the
  procedure by one of the nursing staff. There will be at least two nursing staff and the
  person carrying out the procedure in the treatment room with you. One of these
  nurses is there to stay with you throughout your time in the treatment room.

• You will be given some time and space to remove the bottom half of your clothing
  and be given a sheet or gown to cover you. We will then help you to make yourself
  comfortable on the examination couch

• As the procedure starts, a speculum will be inserted into the vagina (as used during
  a smear test)

• You will then be given some local anaesthetic into the cervix (neck of the uterus) to
  allow passage of the telescopic camera into the uterus

• The uterus is filled with saline (salt water solution) to allow direct examination of the
  lining of the uterus

• At this stage you may experience some mild to moderate period-type discomfort. If
  it is too uncomfortable for you to bear, we encourage you tell the staff so that the
  procedure can be stopped

• The MyoSure device is then passed down the telescope into your uterus and held
  against the polyp or fibroid to remove it. This may take a few seconds or minutes
  depending on the size and nature of polyp/fibroid

• At the end of the procedure you will be observed in the Unit until we are happy for
  you to go home

You should continue to take regular pain relief for the next 24-48 hours

• You may be recommended to have a hormone coil called Mirena inserted if you are
  at risk of repeated polyp formation and if there is a risk of pre-cancerous cells in the
  polyp. This can reduce

Going home and afterwards
You may experience some continued period-type cramping and discomfort shortly after
the procedure. Some patients can feel lightheaded but this is usually short-lived.

You are likely to experience some vaginal discharge that may be red, pinkish,
orange/brown in colour. This may be fairly heavy initially and should become lighter and
may last for up to 3-4 weeks. You should not use tampons during this time but may use
sanitary towels.

If you experience worsening pelvic pain and/or offensive discharge, which may be
greenish in colour, and/or a raised temperature, please get in touch with your GP as
these symptoms may be signs of an infection and require some antibiotics.
Approximately 1 in 200 women will develop infection following this procedure.

You should also contact your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms and
they are not settling: nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, bowel or bladder
problems following the procedure.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Women’s Health Unit: Contact the Alexandra Hospital switchboard 01527503030
ask for extension 44065 or 44064

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed
to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is
unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal
help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate
your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can
advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please
be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your
call within one working day

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

Version 2