What is a polypectomy?

We call a polypectomy the removal of a tissue growth (polyp) from the large intestine (colon) for histological microscopic examination. One always try to remove a polyp for histological which is a possible cancer source.

Polyps are in most cases harmless and noncancerous polyps are removed as well, because they can cause troublesome symptoms like bleeding. Furthermore, a physician does not know if a polyp is precancerous until it is removed and examined under the microscope. Most polyps, however, do not cause symptoms, although rarely they may cause:

During examination of the large intestine and the stomach, if a polyp is seen a polypectomy it will be removed with a snare through the endoscope. since the greatest danger with intestinal polyps is their potential to turn into cancerous tumours. This is not painful at all.

 

Polyps may cause

• Bleeding (rectal bleeding)

• Constipation

• Diarrhea, or mucous excretion

• there do not cause any pain or bloating nor cramps

During Procedure--you may have a sedative with painkillers; although the procedure is not painful at all. You will be awake, but very drowsy there fore always come accompanied

The Procedure (see colonoscopy)

You will lie on your left side, the anus anaesthetised. A colonoscope is inserted through the anus, and slowly pushed through the rectum to the colon. Using the colonoscope, the surgeon locates the polyp (or polyps), and removes them with a wire snare by burning the tissue after a local anaesthetic combined with epinephrin is applied to avois bleeding. The method of removal depends on the size of the polyp. Bleeding during the surgery is controlled by electrical current, or further epinephrine installation. The polyp is slowly removed with the colonoscope and sent for histological testing. A second pass is now perform to make sure that there is no further bleeding.

 

How Long Will It Take? 15-60 minutes

 

Will It Hurt? The special cleaning solution, laxatives, and/or enemas taken before your procedure often cause discomfort. During and following the procedure, there is little or no pain. However, discomfort in the form of pressure, bloating, and/or cramping often occurs due to air that enters the large intestine during the procedure. This discomfort usually subsides with the passage of gas. If it does not please alert the clinic staff.

You may be prescribed painkillers although seldom necessary. If not, you can take non-prescription pain relievers for any residual pain.

Because the sedative will make you drowsy, don't drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions the day of the procedure.

Possible Complications--Complications are rare, but include:

• Perforation of colon wall

• Excessive bleeding

• Adverse reaction to the sedative

• Infection at the site where the polyp or polyps are surgically removed

Average Hospital Stay: 0-1 day

Postoperative Care:

Return to your normal diet the same or next day. However, you should avoid tea, coffee, cola drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods (all of which can irritate the digestive system) for at least 24 hours following surgery.

To speed healing, resume normal activities as soon as you feel able (usually by the next day).
Do not participate in any rigorous exercise for four weeks after the procedure (unless your doctor says otherwise).

You will be scheduled for follow-up testing (colonoscopy) at least once per year, to check for recurrence of polyps.

Outcome

Your doctor will discuss the results with you the following week when the histological results have been received and reviwed. Dependiing on the results your condition and treatment options will be discussed. Additional treatment may include repeat endoscopy if the polyp has not been completely removed or surgery if malignancy is diagnosed.

Expect complete recovery from your polypectomy within a few days.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following occurs:

• Bleeding,

• Redness,

• swelling, increasing pain,

• increased discharge from the rectum; up to ½ cup per day of blood can be expected for up to 3-4 days following polypectomy