Polypectomy

Polypectomy

A polypectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is done to remove a polyp. A polyp is a mass that grows inside the tissue and extends outwards into the space around it. A polyp can develop inside any hollow organ or body cavity. 

Polyps usually start as benign (non-cancerous) masses which need to be removed when they start causing symptoms, need to be examined further or when they have turned or have a chance of turning malignant (cancerous).

Types of Polyps Treated with a Polypectomy

Doctors usually suggest the removal of all kinds of polyps since they can turn problematic in the future if left untreated. A polypectomy is required for the removal of the following polyps:
  • Uterine polyp
  • Cervical polyp
  • Colon polyp
  • Gallbladder polyp
  • Stomach polyp
  • Nose polyp
 
Out of these, the most common polypectomies include uterine polypectomy and colon polypectomy.

Why is a Polypectomy Required?

A polypectomy becomes important since the polyp is examined to screen and prevent

  • Cervical cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Gallbladder cancer

Benign polyps can also cause a host of issues if not removed in time, such as:

  • Fertility or menstrual problems
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Blockage of the bile duct, blood vessels or intestines
  • Intense pain or pressure on the organs
Thus, it is best to remove a polyp as it can alleviate these discomforts.

 

The Procedure of a Polypectomy

A polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure which, in most cases, does not require any incisions to be created to access the polyp. They can be removed by inserting surgical instruments via the body’s natural openings. For instance, an endoscope is inserted and does not need large incisions.

Patients can choose to stay awake during the procedure, or a doctor can administer general anaesthesia to help make the surgery less intimidating.

  • Uterine or Cervical Polypectomy
A hysteroscope is inserted into the cervix and uterus through the vagina for a uterine polypectomy. A camera attached to the instrument helps the doctor guide the scope to the polyp.
 
  • Colon polypectomy
During a colonoscopy, if a doctor encounters a polyp, they can remove it during the same session by inserting a colonoscope and a camera through the rectum to locate the polyp.
 

Techniques to Remove a Polyp

A polypectomy is a relatively quick surgery which can be completed within half an hour. There are different surgical techniques that doctors use to remove polyps. They include:

  • Hot Snare Polypectomy
A common treatment for most polyps is a hot snare polypectomy (HSP). It involves a snare – a loop that can take hold of the polyp and remove it. Any remaining polyp tissue is burned away using electrocautery. 
 
  • Cold Snare Polypectomy 
A cold snare polypectomy is done for smaller polyps, such as those 1 to 5 millimetres small. It involves a cold snare used to grab and remove the polyp. 
 
  • Hot or Cold Forceps Polypectomy
It is a more old-fashioned procedure where hot or cold forceps are used to pull larger polyps and remove smaller polyps. When using cold forceps, a wire may be used to remove the extended portion of the polyp. For hot forceps polypectomy, electrocautery burns away the remaining polyp tissue. 
 
  • Incision
If the polyp is very large, incisions may be made to remove it. Although, this surgery is more complex and needs general anaesthesia.

Is a Polypectomy Painful?

No, polypectomy is not painful. Instead, a person can feel slight pulling or pressure during the surgery. Moreover, depending on the location of the surgery, the doctor may give medication to block the pain.

Recovery After a Polypectomy

A short surgery like a polypectomy has a quick recovery time. Patients can go home after the surgery. After the surgery, they may have leftover gassiness, cramping or bloating, which should be resolved in 24 hours. The patient can return to their normal diet immediately, or the doctor might prescribe a few days of light food.

Polypectomies at Vizag IVF Centre

The highly qualified surgeons at Vizag IVF Centre will use the best-in-class technology to ensure your polypectomy is quick, smooth, and painless. We ensure holistic patient care and comprehensive after-surgery care to ensure a swift recovery from the procedure. 

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