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Polypectomy is a procedure in which polyps are removed - i.e. protrusions on the mucosa that may be in the large intestine, small intestine, larynx, stomach, vocal cords or the uterus. The polypectomy procedure allows them to be removed relatively quickly and usually without anesthesia. Who is recommended for polypectomy, how should I prepare for this procedure and how does polypectomy work?

Polypectomyis a term that many people associate primarily with the removal of colon polyps - and this is because polypectomy is the most effective method of bowel cancer prevention known and used today thick.

However, polypectomy is not limited to polyps of the large intestine: this term is used to describe any procedure aimed at removing polyps, i.e. pathological structures on the mucosa.

What is a polypectomy?

Polyps can occur in any organ of the mucosa. Most often, these are benign changes, but can turn malignant over time, so they should be removed by polypectomy. This can be done in two ways: with a surgical polypectomy (surgery) and during an endoscopic procedure (called endoscopic polypectomy), which usually does not require general anesthesia (anesthesia), is also much less invasive and has fewer complications.

Where possible, endoscopic polypectomy is used; Surgical polypectomy is usually used for large polyps - those with a base diameter greater than 2 cm or a head diameter greater than 4 cm.

Indications for polypectomy

The indication for polypectomy is the mere presence of polyps, which - when they start to grow - can become malignant. The most common indications for polypectomy are polyps of the large intestine, gastric polyps, as well as polyps of the mucosa of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (which are most often caused by chronic inflammation and can lead to a weakened sense of smell and nasal obstruction).

Preparations for polypectomy

How to prepare for polypectomy? As this procedure is performed during another procedure, you should strictly follow the instructionsdoctor - for example, before a polypectomy of the large intestine, use the laxatives recommended by him and a proper diet.

Before making an appointment, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will qualify for the examination and determine the type of anesthesia used. You should bring medical documentation for such consultation. e.g. descriptions of previously performed endoscopic examinations or hospital treatment cards.

How does polypectomy work?

Endoscopic polypectomy is often performed during endoscopic examination, e.g. gastrointestinal examination - gastroscopy, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. If the polyps are very small, i.e. their diameter does not exceed 4 mm, the doctor may destroy them directly during the procedure with the use of special biopsy forceps connected to the power source.

Larger polyps are removed using a diathermy loop - the ending with such a loop is inserted through a canal inside the endoscope. The doctor places a loop on the polyp, tightens it and passes a certain dose of current through it, so that the blood vessels that supply blood to the polyp are closed, and then the polyp is cut off and out of the intestine.

In the vast majority of cases, it is then sent for a histopathological examination, the purpose of which is to determine whether the polyp contains neoplastic cells - and if so, whether they were removed during the procedure with a sufficient margin of he althy tissue.

Polypectomy is practically imperceptible as it is performed after the administration of painkillers and sedatives. Sometimes this procedure may be performed under general anesthesia - e.g. when the patient does not cooperate with the doctor or the contact with him is difficult.

Complications after polypectomy

Complications after polypectomy are very rare and depend mainly on the characteristics of the removed polyp, especially its size. The complications after polypectomy include:

  • bleeding at the site of removal of the polyp
  • perforation, i.e. perforation of a tissue or organ at the site of polyp removal (e.g. perforation of the gastrointestinal wall)
  • thermal tissue damage, requiring surgical intervention.

Procedure after polypectomy

Immediately after the polypectomy, the patient should remain under observation for several more hours. However, the procedure to be followed depends on the type of polypectomy. For example, after endoscopic polypectomy of the colon, an appropriate diet is necessary, including on avoiding red meat, processed foods,canned food, drink plenty of water and eat foods that contain high amounts of fiber.

In turn, after polypectomy of the stomach, one should not eat or drink until the anesthesia applied to the back of the throat subsides. If the polypectomy was performed under general anesthesia, the patient must not drive on the day of the examination.

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