Have you ever heard of something called 'polyps'? Maybe your doctor has examined you and told you that you have one. Simply put, these are small growths that form on the inner walls of organs inside our bodies (for example, the intestines, uterus). Although most of these are not dangerous, some can turn into cancer over time, so it is best to remove them and have them examined. So today we will talk about the medical procedure called 'polypectomy', which removes these polyps.
What exactly is a polypectomy?
Polypectomy is a medical procedure that removes a polyp or growth that has formed inside an organ in your body. These polyps can be cancerous (cancerous) or non-cancerous (benign).
Most of the time, these are benign . But your doctor can only tell for sure after removing them and sending them to a lab for testing. Some polyps are "precancerous." This means they are not cancerous now, but they have the potential to become cancerous in the future.
Why do these polyps need to be removed?
There may be several reasons for removing a polyp.
- If you have symptoms: Some polyps can cause you to have various symptoms, such as stomach pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits.
- If there is a risk of cancer: If the doctor examines it and thinks it may be cancerous or thinks it may be cancerous.
- If you want to get tested: To find out exactly what kind of tumor it is, you need to remove it and send it to a lab (a ``biopsy`').
Many doctors believe that even benign, symptom-free polyps should be removed early to prevent future problems.
Where Polyps Most Commonly Occur and the Importance of Removing Them
Polyps can form in any hollow organ in our body. Let's understand more about it from the table below.
| Where polyps occur | The importance of removal (preventable cancer) |
|---|---|
| Colon Polyps | Colorectal Cancer |
| Uterine Polyps | Cervical cancer and uterine cancer |
| Stomach Polyps | Stomach Cancer |
| Gallbladder Polyps | Gallbladder Cancer |
Is this a major surgery? Will it hurt?
This is a question that many people have. No, a polypectomy is usually a minor surgery. It is a ``minimally invasive procedure''. That means it is done without making any major cuts.
These polyps are often removed during a colonoscopy or endoscopy. This involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera through a natural opening in your body (e.g., rectum, mouth) and passing small instruments through it to remove the polyp.
Also, the thing that many people fear is pain. You will not feel any pain during this procedure. The doctor will give you anesthesia and painkillers to make sure you are comfortable. You may be given general anesthesia (a type of anesthesia) if you wish. Or you may be given sedation (a type of medication that puts you to sleep). You may feel a slight pressure when the polyp is removed, but it is not painful.
What happens before and during the surgery?
Preparation before surgery
- Bowel cleansing: Especially for a colonoscopy to remove polyps in the large intestine, your bowel needs to be completely empty and clean. For this, your doctor will give you a special liquid (`(bowel prep formula)`) to drink. You will also need to follow a special diet for a few days.
- Medications: The anesthesiologist will discuss with you in advance the anesthesia you will be given. He or she may also ask you to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners) on the day of surgery.
During surgery
A simple polypectomy is done with the help of an endoscope, which is a tube with a camera attached.
1. The doctor will insert this tube into your body and go to where the polyp is.
2. Then, a small amount of carbon dioxide gas is injected into the organ to inflate it so that the inside of the organ can be seen clearly.
3. Then, using a small instrument (like a pair of forceps or a wire loop) that is passed through the tube, the polyp is first cut and removed.
4. After the polyp is removed, the area is briefly cauterized (electrocautery) to stop bleeding and remove any remaining tissue. This also prevents the polyp from growing back.
How are some complex polyps removed?
Some polyps may be difficult to remove with simple methods because they are large, flat, or located in a way that makes them difficult to remove. In such cases, other methods are used.
| Methodology | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopic Surgery | Making several very small incisions in the abdomen, inserting a camera and instruments to remove the polyp. |
| Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) | Inject a saline solution into the membrane beneath the polyp, allowing the polyp to easily be removed once it has risen. |
| Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) | Large or cancerous polyps are removed in one piece, along with the underlying deeper membrane. |
What happens after the surgery and are there any risks?
After surgery
You can usually go home the same day. However, as you will not be able to drive due to the effects of the anesthesia, it is essential to have someone to drive you. You may feel a little uncomfortable for a few days due to trapped air in your stomach. The removed polyp is sent to the laboratory, and the report will be available in one to two weeks.
Risks and complications
Complications are very rare, but it's important to be aware of them.
- Bleeding (`(Bleeding)`)
- Infection (`(Infection)`)
- Perforation of the organ (`(Perforation)`)
- Burns caused by electrical appliances
Another very rare condition is Postpolypectomy Coagulation Syndrome (PPCS) . This is when the heat from the polyp burns the tissue underneath, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever. This is not as serious as a perforation. It usually resolves with medication within a few days. However, if you experience any of these symptoms within a few days of surgery, tell your doctor right away.
You will usually recover completely within a few days. You will need to take painkillers for a day or two. A small amount of blood may pass through your stool or urine, which is normal. However, if the bleeding is heavy or continues, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Polypectomy is a simple and safe medical procedure that removes polyps, a type of growth that forms inside the body.
- Although most polyps are not dangerous, it is important to remove and examine them because of the risk of them turning into cancer.
- This process is painless, and anesthesia techniques minimize your discomfort.
- The recovery period is very short, usually just a few days.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms (excessive pain, fever, heavy bleeding) after surgery, inform your doctor immediately.
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