Polypectomy

Polyps are formations that develop as a result of abnormal growth of the layer (mucosa) that covers the surface of the large intestine (colon and rectum) and grow into the intestinal tract (lumen). In other words, the bumps on the lining that covers the inner surface of the intestine are called polyps. Removal of the polyp with the help of endoscopy (colonoscopy-sigmoidoscopy) is called polypectomy. The polyp can be removed with the help of special tools during endoscopy. Polyps can range in diameter from a few millimeters to several centimeters. If the doctor sees a polyp during the examination, it should be removed by colonoscopy and sent for analysis. The patient does not feel pain during this procedure.

Removal of the polyp from the large intestine: Polypectomy

In larger polyps, more than one treatment may be required for complete removal. However, some polyps cannot be removed by endoscopic methods due to their size, position and number. In this case, the polyp-containing part of the large intestine should be removed with surgery.

Although small polyps often do not cause any symptoms, they can grow over time and cause complaints such as bleeding and abdominal pain. Most polyps are benign formations. Since polyps are precursor lesions in the development of cancer, they must be removed at an early stage.

Can Large Intestine Polyps Recurence?

After a polyp is completely removed, it is not expected to recur in the same place. However, because the factors that predispose to the formation of polyps affect other parts of the same large intestine, polyps may appear in other places. For this reason, individuals with large intestinal polyps should be checked at certain intervals.

Why Colon Cancer is a Preventable Disease

Although colon polyps are generally benign, their association with colon cancers has been clearly demonstrated. More than 90% of colon cancers develop on the basis of polyps. Removal of colon polyps by polypectomy prevents the development of colon cancer. Therefore, colon cancer is a preventable disease.