A colon polypectomy is the removal of polyps from the inside lining of the colon (large intestine). A polyp is a mass of tissue. Some types of polyps have the potential to develop into cancer. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy .
The purpose of the surgery is to remove a polyp. It is done for cancer prevention.
In rare cases, larger polyps can cause troublesome symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and bowel irregularities. A polyp removal will relieve these symptoms.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a polypectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Your colon must be completely cleaned before the procedure. Any stool left in the intestine will block the view. This preparation may start several days before the procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions, which may include any of the following cleansing methods:
Leading up to your procedure:
You will receive a sedative. This will help you relax. You will be drowsy but awake.
You will be asked to lie on your side or on your back. A scope, a long flexible tube with a camera on the end, will be inserted through the anus. It will be slowly pushed through the rectum to the colon. The scope will also add air to open the colon.
Using the scope, the doctor will locate the polyp. The polyp will be snipped off with a wire snare from the scope. In some cases, the polyp may be destroyed with an electric current. The electric current is also used to close the wound and stop bleeding. The polyps will then be removed for lab testing. When the doctor is finished, the scope will be slowly removed.
For larger polyps, a laparoscopic surgical procedure may be needed. Special surgical tools will be inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. The tools will be used to locate and remove the polyp.
30-60 minutes
The special cleaning solution, laxatives, and/or enemas often cause discomfort. During and following the procedure, there is little or no pain. You may feel pressure, bloating, and/or cramping because of the air passed into the colon. This discomfort will go away with the passing of gas. Your doctor may prescribe pain medicine. If not, you can take non-prescription pain relievers for discomfort.
The polyps will be sent to a lab for testing.
Expect a complete recovery within two weeks. To ensure a smooth recovery, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:
Your doctor will discuss the results with you either the day of surgery or the following day.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
http://www.askasge.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
http://www.cag-acg.org/
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/
References:
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.fascrs.org/.
Colon polyps. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-polyps/DS00511/DSECTION=1. Accessed May 6, 2008.
Consolo P, Luigiano C, Strangio G, et al. Efficacy, risk factors, and complications of endoscopic polypectomy: ten-year experience at a single center. World J Gastroenterol. 2008;14(15): 2354-2369. Available at: http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/14/2364.pdf. Accessed May 6, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.