Polyp removal during colonoscopy
polypectomy · colon polyp removal · polyp removal · endoscopic polypectomy
A polyp is a small growth on the bowel wall. During a colonoscopy, the doctor removes it with a wire loop or tiny forceps through the same tube.
If a polyp is found during a colonoscopy. Some polyps can turn into cancer over time, so they are removed early.
⏱ Duration: usually adds 5 to 20 minutes to the colonoscopy; polyp test results usually come in 1 to 2 weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Same as for a colonoscopy. A low-fiber diet for 2 to 3 days and bowel prep solution as your doctor says.
- Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor about all your medicines. They will decide what to change and when.
- Sedation. If you will be asleep, you need someone to take you home.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past colonoscopy reports
- A list of your medicines
- Someone to take you home, if you have sedation
How it goes
- The colonoscopy goes as usual
- The doctor finds the polyp and examines it
- A thin wire loop or forceps is passed through the tube
- The polyp is cut from the wall, and sometimes the spot is sealed with heat
- Sometimes a tiny clip is placed on the spot
- The polyp is taken out and sent for testing
What you'll feel
- You usually do not feel the removal. The bowel wall has no pain nerves
- Bloating from the air, as after any colonoscopy
Afterwards
- Usually light food and no alcohol for 1 to 2 days. Ask your doctor
- For a few days, no heavy lifting or intense sports, if your doctor says so
- A little blood in your stool in the first days can happen
- The clip comes out by itself. You do not need to look for it
- Your doctor will set your next colonoscopy based on the test result
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Heavy bleeding from the bottom or clots: call emergency services
- Severe belly pain that keeps getting worse: call emergency services
- A fever over 38°C (100.4°F), weakness, or dizziness: see a doctor right away
Common questions
Is a polyp cancer?
Most often not. The test will show what it was. Removal is done to stop the polyp from changing.
Can a polyp grow back?
New polyps can appear. That is why your doctor sets a follow-up colonoscopy after a certain time.