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Polypectomy

A polyp is a small growth on the bowel lining. Most are harmless, but most bowel cancers begin as one. Removing a polyp during colonoscopy takes minutes, is painless, and is one of the few things in medicine that genuinely prevents a cancer rather than catching it early.

Removed during the same colonoscopy
Painless, done under sedation
Sent for testing afterwards
Genuine prevention, not early detection

Stay

Day care

Duration

Adds 5 to 20 minutes to the colonoscopy

Anaesthesia

Sedation, as for the colonoscopy

About Polypectomy

Polyps are removed with a wire snare passed through the colonoscope, or with forceps if they are very small. The tissue is sent for examination, which determines whether it was the type that could have become cancerous and when a repeat colonoscopy should be arranged. Because the bowel lining has no pain sensation of the sort skin has, the removal itself is not felt.

Removed with a snare or forceps through the scope
Every polyp is sent for testing
The result determines when to repeat the colonoscopy
Not felt during or afterwards in most cases

Before you read on

Everything here is general information about polypectomy. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.

Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.

When is it recommended?

Situations in which a doctor may suggest polypectomy.

Polyps found during a colonoscopy
Follow-up colonoscopy in someone with previous polyps
Bowel cancer screening where polyps are detected
Family history of polyps or bowel cancer

Procedure details

The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.

Found during colonoscopy

The polyp is identified as the bowel is examined, and its size, shape and position are assessed.

Removal

A wire snare is passed around the base and the polyp removed, or forceps are used for very small ones. You will not feel it.

Securing the site

The base is checked and, where needed, clipped or treated to prevent bleeding before the scope is withdrawn.

Testing and follow-up

The polyp is sent to histopathology. The result decides the interval before your next colonoscopy.

How to prepare

What to sort out before you come in.

The same bowel preparation as the colonoscopy
Blood thinners are particularly important to declare, as they may need stopping in advance
Tell the team about any bleeding disorder
Arrange somebody to take you home

Recovery

What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.

A small amount of blood in the stool for a day or two is common
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a few days after a large polyp is removed
Eat lightly for the first day
Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or fever needs immediate attention
The histology result and the interval for your next colonoscopy follow in about a week

Why choose Humayun for polypectomy

The point of a colonoscopy is largely the polypectomy, so the equipment and the follow-up interval both matter.

Polyps removed at the same sitting rather than at a second appointment
Clips and haemostasis equipment on the trolley, so bleeding is managed immediately
Histopathology on site, which sets the correct interval for the next colonoscopy
Follow-up intervals actually arranged rather than left to the patient to remember

Polypectomy at Dr. Humayun Speciality Hospital

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Before you decide

Common questions about polypectomy.

Does having a polyp mean I will get cancer?

No. Most polyps never become cancerous, and removing them removes the risk from that polyp entirely. The type found determines how closely you need following up.

Is the removal painful?

No. The bowel lining does not have the kind of pain sensation skin does, and you are sedated. Most people are unaware anything was removed.

Will I need another colonoscopy?

Usually yes, at an interval decided by the number, size and type of polyps found. That could be one year or five, and you will be told which.

Can polyps come back?

New polyps can form elsewhere, which is why the repeat colonoscopy matters. The one removed does not grow back.

Still have questions?

If your question is not answered here, our team is happy to talk it through with you.