What are polyps?
A polyp is a growth that arises from the multiplication of mucosal cells and rises above its surface. It most often appears in the large intestine and rectum, but polyps can also form in other places — on the mucosa of the stomach, in the nose and sinuses, on the vocal cords, the cervix and elsewhere. In this text the focus is on polyps of the digestive tract, which are the most common and clinically the most significant.
Most polyps are initially benign, but certain types — above all adenomatous polyps of the large intestine — are potentially dangerous, because over years they can turn into a carcinoma. That is exactly why colon polyps are removed even when they cause no symptoms: by removing a polyp while it is still harmless, the path to the development of cancer is interrupted.
Polyps often cause no symptoms and are discovered by chance, during an endoscopic examination or screening. When they do cause symptoms, these can be blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, mucus in the stool, and for polyps in other places also symptoms related to that location (for example difficult nasal breathing with nasal polyps or hoarseness with polyps on the vocal cords).
At Medical Time we approach polyps with a clear goal: to remove the change in full and analyze it histologically, so that its nature is determined with certainty. The way of removal depends on the location, size and number of polyps, and the decision is made by the doctor after an examination and appropriate diagnostics.
When is polyp removal indicated?
Polyps are as a rule removed when they are discovered, especially in the large intestine, because it is impossible to claim with certainty that they are harmless based on appearance alone. The decision on the way of removal is made by the doctor based on the location, size, number and appearance of the polyp.
Polyp removal is recommended in the following situations:
- a colon polyp discovered during a colonoscopy or screening
- blood or mucus in the stool and a change in bowel movements
- a growing polyp, a larger polyp or several polyps at once
- a polyp with an appearance that raises suspicion of precancerous changes
- a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer
- polyps in other locations that cause symptoms (nose, vocal cords and other)
- the need to analyze the change histologically and determine its nature with certainty
How polyp removal is performed
The way of removing a polyp depends above all on the location and size. The great majority of colon polyps are removed endoscopically, during a colonoscopy, without a single external incision — the procedure is called a polypectomy. Smaller polyps in other locations are also most often removed endoscopically or through natural openings.
In an endoscopic polypectomy the polyp is removed with a special snare or forceps through the working channel of the endoscope, and for the patient the procedure is painless, because the intestinal mucosa has no pain receptors on touch. Larger polyps on a broad base are removed with advanced techniques (for example mucosal resection), in which the polyp is removed in full or in parts, with special care.
When a polyp is very large, in an awkward spot or there is a suspicion of a malignant form that requires a wider resection, removal is done surgically. In those cases the doctor decides on the extent of the procedure based on the findings and histological assessment, always with the aim of removing the change in full.
In all cases the removed tissue is sent for histopathological (histological) analysis, which is a key part of the procedure. It shows what type of polyp is involved, whether the margins of removal are clear and how great the likelihood of turning into a malignant form is — which also determines the plan of further monitoring.
Preparation for polyp removal
Preparation depends on the location of the polyp and the way of removal. For colon polyps, which are removed during a colonoscopy, thorough bowel preparation is needed (cleansing with a laxative according to the instructions), because the intestine must be completely clean so that every polyp is spotted and safely removed. For polyps in other locations the preparation is adapted to the procedure.
Since polyp removal is most often done under sedation or anesthesia, appropriate preoperative preparation is carried out. The anesthesiologist assesses the form of anesthesia, the rules on fasting apply and accompaniment for the return home is arranged.
What is important to inform the doctor of before the procedure:
- all medications you take, especially blood thinners (the doctor decides on their interruption)
- iron preparations and other medications that can interfere with the bowel examination
- chronic illnesses, diabetes, previous surgeries and allergies
- bring earlier findings (colonoscopy, histology) for review
- exact adherence to the instructions for bowel preparation and cleansing
- the rules on fasting and arranged accompaniment for the return home
The procedure, anesthesia and duration
Removal of colon polyps is most often done during a colonoscopy, under anesthesia (asleep) or with analgosedation, so the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the procedure. The form of anesthesia is decided jointly by the doctor and the anesthesiologist. The whole course takes place in sterile, controlled conditions, under anesthesiologist supervision.
After the sedation is introduced, the doctor inserts the endoscope, examines the mucosa and, when a polyp is spotted, removes it with a snare or forceps. For larger polyps advanced removal techniques are applied, and the site from which the polyp was removed is, if needed, additionally managed (for example with a clip or coagulation) to prevent bleeding. With surgical removal the course depends on the extent of the planned procedure.
The duration depends on the number, size and location of the polyps: removal of one smaller polyp during a colonoscopy extends the examination by only a few minutes, while removal of several or larger polyps takes longer. Throughout the procedure the anesthesiologist monitors the vital functions, so the procedure is safe and controlled.
After the procedure the patient recovers under the supervision of the staff until the effect of the sedation wears off. In the vast majority of cases of endoscopic polyp removal the patient goes home the same day, while surgical removal may require a short stay, which the doctor decides.
Recovery after polyp removal
Recovery after endoscopic polyp removal is, as a rule, quick and easy. After the effect of the sedation wears off mild bloating or cramps are possible, which subside quickly. Diet is resumed gradually, according to the doctor's instructions, and most patients return to usual activities as early as the next day.
If a larger polyp was removed or a more advanced technique was applied, the doctor may advise short-term rest and a lighter diet, as well as temporarily avoiding strain and blood thinners, to prevent bleeding from the removal site. With surgical removal recovery is longer and proceeds according to the instructions for that type of procedure.
What is recommended during recovery:
- resume diet gradually, starting with lighter meals according to the doctor's instructions
- in the first days avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting, especially after removal of a larger polyp
- follow the advice on temporarily stopping blood thinners
- if you were under sedation, do not drive or make important decisions that day
- arrange accompaniment for the return home
- contact the doctor if severe abdominal pain, heavier bleeding or a temperature appear
Risks and possible complications
Polyp removal is a safe and routine procedure, and serious complications are rare. As with any procedure, the patient is informed before the removal about the possible risks, which depend on the size and location of the polyp and the technique applied.
Most often it is a matter of minor bleeding from the removal site, which most often stops on its own or is managed immediately during the procedure. Very rarely there may be injury to the intestinal wall (perforation), which may require additional treatment. With removal under sedation there are also general risks related to anesthesia, which is why a prior assessment is done. With larger polyps removed in parts there is a possibility that a small remnant requires additional monitoring or a repeat procedure.
It is important to know that the risk of an unremoved polyp — which over time can turn into a malignant form — is almost always greater than the risk of the procedure itself. That is why, when a polyp is discovered, its removal is not delayed. Regular follow-ups and histological analysis allow the further monitoring to be precisely planned, and most risks reduced to the lowest level.
Why have polyp removal done at Medical Time
At Medical Time we remove polyps expertly, with an experienced team, modern endoscopic and surgical equipment and constant anesthesiologist supervision. Everything — from preparation and diagnostics, through the polyp removal, to histological analysis and the plan of further monitoring — is available in one place, quickly and safely.
We attach special importance to removing the polyp in full and analyzing it histologically, because it is precisely this that determines the further steps. After the procedure we remain at your disposal for interpretation of the findings and recommendations for follow-up examinations, with digital storage of the results for easier monitoring.
- endoscopic and surgical polyp removal in one place
- a painless procedure asleep or with analgosedation, under anesthesiologist supervision
- modern equipment and advanced techniques for removing larger polyps
- mandatory histological analysis of the removed tissue for an accurate diagnosis
- polyp removal as prevention — before the change becomes dangerous
- a clear plan of further monitoring and digital storage of the results
- quick booking, without long waiting, with a discreet approach
Price
The price of polyp removal depends on the location, size and number of polyps, the technique applied (endoscopic polypectomy or surgical removal), the form of anesthesia and the included histological analysis. The final price is determined after an examination; look at the surgical services in the price list, and you receive a precise estimate and an appointment by calling.
- Examination and assessment of the polyp
- Endoscopic polyp removal (polypectomy)
- Removal of a larger polyp with an advanced technique
- Histopathological (histological) analysis of the removed tissue
For an estimate and an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about polyp surgery
Most polyps are initially benign, but certain types — above all adenomatous polyps of the large intestine — can over time turn into a malignant form. That is why polyps are removed and analyzed histologically, which determines their nature with certainty and prevents the development of cancer.
Endoscopic polyp removal is painless, because it is done asleep or with analgosedation, and the intestinal mucosa itself has no pain receptors on touch. After the procedure only mild bloating is possible, which subsides quickly.
The great majority of colon polyps are removed endoscopically, during a colonoscopy, without a single external incision (polypectomy). Larger polyps are removed with advanced techniques, and only when it is necessary is surgical removal used.
Histological analysis shows what type of polyp is involved, whether the margins of removal are clear and how great the likelihood of turning into a malignant form is. That finding is key because it determines further monitoring and any additional treatment.
After endoscopic removal recovery is quick — most patients return to usual activities as early as the next day. After removal of a larger polyp or a surgical procedure recovery is longer and proceeds according to the doctor's instructions.
In people prone to forming polyps new ones can appear over time, which is why regular follow-up colonoscopies are important. The interval of follow-ups is determined by the doctor based on the number, type and histological finding of the removed polyps.
Yes. By removing a polyp while it is still harmless, the path to the development of colorectal cancer is interrupted. That is why polyp removal is at once treatment and one of the most effective measures of prevention.