Stomach polyp removal

Be sure to tell your doctor

• Blood thinners - your doctor will tell you what to stop and when
• Diabetes
• Heart disease or a pacemaker
• Allergies and any problems with anesthesia

How to prepare

• Tests. Blood tests for clotting and blood group are usually needed. The clinic will give you the list.
• Food. Usually no food for 6 to 8 hours. Water is allowed until the time the clinic tells you.
• Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Your doctor will say which to skip.
• Companion. After sedation you need someone to go with you.

What to bring

• Your referral and the report from your earlier gastroscopy
• Your ID
• A list of your medicines
• Someone to accompany you

How it goes

1. A thin tube (catheter) is placed in your vein
2. You lie on your left side and a mouthguard is placed in your mouth
3. Sedation is given and you fall asleep
4. The doctor passes the gastroscope in, finds the polyp and cuts it off with a loop
5. The spot is sealed with heat or closed with small clips
6. The polyp is sent to the lab

What you'll feel

• Under sedation you usually feel nothing and do not remember it
• Afterwards you may have a scratchy throat and bloating
• Sometimes mild discomfort in the upper belly

Afterwards

• You start eating at the time your doctor tells you, at first soft, warm food
• For a few days eat gentle food, without spicy or hot dishes or alcohol
• The doctor may prescribe medicine to protect your stomach
• After sedation do not drive for the rest of the day
• The lab result comes in 1 to 2 weeks