How intestinal polyps are removed

Intestinal polyps must be removed to prevent them from becoming cancer and, therefore, it is very common for the doctor to remove them even during colonoscopy with a small loop that is attached to the colonoscopy device and that cuts the polyp by base. However, when the polyp is very large, it may be necessary to have minor surgery to facilitate access to the polyp and remove all affected tissue.

After removing the polyps, the doctor usually sends them to a laboratory to be analyzed under a microscope, in order to identify whether there are cancer cells that may indicate a risk of developing colon cancer. If changes in the polyp tissues are identified, the doctor can schedule frequent colonoscopies, every 2 years, for example, to monitor whether new changes that may indicate the development of cancer.

Removal of polyps during colonoscopy

How to prepare for colonoscopy to remove intestinal polyps

When preparing for colonoscopy, it is usually necessary to take laxatives 24 hours before the exam to clean the intestine, eliminating all feces and making a liquid diet, drinking water and soups. Here's how to follow How to prepare for colonoscopy.

In addition, in the 3 days prior to colonoscopy, the patient should not take anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and anticoagulants because they increase the risk of bleeding.

See all precautions during preparation in: How to prepare for colonoscopy.

What care after removing intestinal polyps

After the removal of intestinal polyps, the appearance of small amounts of blood in the stool is normal and is not a cause for concern, however, it is important to monitor whether there is excessive bleeding during the first 5 days, as in these cases it is recommended to go immediately to the emergency room. help. It is also important to avoid using anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 days, such as Clopidogrel or Ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of intestinal bleeding.

In addition, it is common for the intestinal walls to become more sensitive after the removal of the polyps and, for this reason, a lighter diet should be made, based on grilled and cooked foods, during the first 2 days. Most patients can return to their usual diet after the exam, but if there are complications, follow the guidelines that the doctor will inform you about food.

As colonoscopy is performed with sedation or anesthesia, it is also advisable that, after the examination, the patient is taken home by a family member, since one should not drive for the first 12 hours.

Complications after removal of intestinal polyps

In the first 2 days after polypectomy there may be a small amount of bleeding, which can be easily seen in the stool. This bleeding can rarely occur up to 10 days after the procedure, but this is not a serious situation.

However, if the patient has severe abdominal pain, fever and the abdomen becomes swollen, it is recommended to inform the doctor because a perforation of the intestinal wall may have occurred and it may be necessary to have another surgery.