Polypectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove polyps present in any organs of your body. Polyps are usually found in the uterus or colon. Polyps are benign tumours, but there is a chance that they will turn cancerous in the future. So it is better to remove them at the earliest. Surgeons perform this non-invasive procedure to remove the polyps and examine them to prevent cancer. Continue reading to learn about the preparation, actual procedure and recovery for the polypectomy procedure.
Polyps are tumours that grow out of tissue in hollow organs; for example, colon polyps are formed in the tissue of the colon and protrude inside the hollow space of the colon. Polyps are benign and usually non-cancerous; however, there is a chance that the polyps will become cancerous. Polyps are common, and most people are usually unaware of them. Uterine polyps are more common in post-menopausal women. They may grow large, alter blood flow, and put extra pressure on the organs, causing other complications. Some polyps are precancerous, i.e., not cancerous now, but they can become cancerous. Smaller polyps are not associated with any symptoms, whereas larger ones are usually associated with rectal bleeding and abdominal pain.
Polypectomy is a minor, less invasive procedure to remove polyps present in the internal organs or body cavity. You may need a polypectomy when you suffer from symptoms or complications due to polyps. Polypectomy is usually recommended when the polyps are suspected of cancer. It helps with screening and protecting against different types of cancer, including colorectal, cervical and stomach cancer.
The following are the most common types of polyps
● Colon Polyps
● Uterine Polyps
● Gallbladder polyps
● Stomach polyps
Polypectomy is categorised based on the location of the polyp. The two most common types are colon polypectomy and uterine polypectomy. Uterine polypectomy removes polyps in the endometrial tissue of the uterus. Colon Polypectomy removes polyps in the colon. Other types of polypectomy are the nose, cervix, stomach chords and vocal cords.
Cervical polyps are a condition that may lead to serious complications during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may insist on performing a cervical polypectomy to remove the polyp in the cervix. In case of a strong suspicion of cancer or other malignancy, polypectomy is a must. Larger polyps may increase the risk of pregnancy complications, so it is highly recommended to remove them during pregnancy. There are risks and complications of polypectomy during pregnancy, including preterm birth, miscarriage and infection.
Polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure. This endoscopic procedure involves using a long, flexible tube with a camera that enters your body canal to detect polyps. You may be administered with anaesthesia before the procedure. The endoscope varies based on the type of polypectomy. A hysteroscopy is used to remove polyps in the uterus, and a colonoscopy is used to remove polyps present in the colon. The endoscope, along with a camera, is inserted either through the anus or cervix or throat based on the location of the polyp.
The endoscopy tube with the camera sends images of the organs, which helps the surgeon know the exact location of the polyps. Small, specialised instruments like forceps or other devices are used to remove or cut the polyp. After the polyp is removed, it is sent to the lab to check if it is cancerous. The results may take at least one week.
Several techniques are involved in the polypectomy procedure based on the size and location of the polyps. The method is chosen based on the type of polypectomy and its causes.
● Hot Snare Polypectomy: A heated snare is used to remove the polyp in this technique. It is usually used for large polyps but can be used for smaller ones, too.
● Cold Snare Polypectomy: This technique is employed when the polyp is tiny (less than 10mm), where a cold snare is used to remove the polyp.
● Cold or Hot Forceps Polypectomy: It is a technique where a forceps is used to remove the polyp. The cold forceps technique is used for smaller polyps, whereas the hot forceps technique is used for larger ones.
Recovery after polypectomy is generally quick, and you may feel mild discomfort due to bloating and gas after the surgery. In some cases, the recovery time may extend up to two weeks. Make sure to follow the advice of your doctor after the surgery. You may expect bleeding after a uterine polypectomy. Bleeding must stop in a few days; otherwise, it is a sign of infection.
There are certain risks associated with different types of polypectomy surgeries.
● There is a risk of organ perforation, i.e. puncturing the organs during the procedure.
● There is a risk of infection due to the wound formed during the procedure.
● Some may experience excessive bleeding after the procedure, which is a sign of complication.
Polypectomy is a minor surgery to remove polyps in any of your organs. Polyps are usually not dangerous, but sometimes they can become cancerous. Polypectomy during pregnancy is done only under unavoidable conditions. Early detection is the key to preventing complications.
