Polypectomy : Purpose, Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects

Polypectomy is a medical procedure used to remove polyps from the colon.

• Hot Biopsy Polypectomy: This procedure uses a hot wire loop to remove polyps from the colon.
• Cold Snare Polypectomy: This procedure uses a snare to remove polyps from the wall of the colon.
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): This procedure uses specialised tools to remove larger polyps.
• Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD): This procedure is used to remove larger, more deeply invasive polyps in the colon and rectum.
• Laser Polypectomy: This procedure uses a laser beam to cut away and remove polyps from the wall of the colon or rectum.
• Cryotherapy Polypectomy: This procedure uses extreme cold temperatures to freeze and remove polyps from the wall of the colon or rectum.

• Reduced risk of developing colon cancer: Polypectomy removes precancerous polyps before they can become malignant tumours. This reduces the patient’s risk of developing full-blown colon cancer in the future.
• Early diagnosis of colon cancer: By removing polyps during a polypectomy procedure, a doctor may be able to detect any early signs of malignancy in a patient’s digestive tract. This allows for earlier diagnosis if cancer is present, leading to more successful treatment outcomes.
• Treat existing malignancies: For patients with existing colorectal cancers, polypectomy can be an effective way to treat them while minimising damage to healthy tissue in the area surrounding the tumour or nodule.
• Improved digestive health: Polypectomies have been shown to reduce symptoms associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease. In addition, removing all visible polyps from a person’s GI tract may minimise their chances for further GI issues in the future.
• Improved lifestyle quality: After having their medical condition successfully treated through polypectomy, many patients experience relief from various symptoms and improved overall quality of life stemming from better gastrointestinal health.

• Polypectomy is typically done as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer and other diseases associated with polyps.
• The procedure can also be used to diagnose and treat certain digestive problems, such as bleeding or inflammation.
• Polypectomy can also be used to identify precancerous cells in the lining of the colon, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

• Bleeding: One of the most common risks associated with polypectomy is bleeding. The polyp is attached to the wall of the colon by a small stalk, and when it is removed, bleeding can occur. In most cases, bleeding is minor and stops on its own, but in some cases, it may require additional treatment.
• Perforation: Another potential risk of polypectomy is perforation, which occurs when the instrument used to remove the polyp creates a hole in the wall of the colon. This can lead to infection and other complications.
• Infection: Anytime a medical procedure involves breaking the skin or entering the body, there is a risk of infection. In the case of polypectomy, infection can occur if bacteria enter the bloodstream through the site where the polyp was removed.
• Reaction to sedation: Many polypectomies are performed under sedation, which carries its own set of risks. Some people may have an adverse reaction to the sedative medication, which can cause breathing difficulties or other complications.
• Failure to remove the entire polyp: In some cases, it may not be possible to completely remove the polyp during the procedure. This can lead to the need for additional treatment, such as a second polypectomy or surgery.

• Here are some things you can do before your polypectomy- procedure:-
• Schedule a physical exam and blood tests with your healthcare provider.
• Follow all instructions provided by your doctor such as taking medications or fasting before the procedure.
• Make sure to discuss all of your current medications, allergies, and any health problems with your doctor prior to the procedure.
• Avoid participating in strenuous activities 1- days before the scheduled procedure.
• Stop eating or drinking several hours before the surgery starts so that your stomach is empty when it begins.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have had recent x-rays and other diagnostics, such as CT scans or MRIs which may be affected during surgery with certain dyes or devices used during the operation.

• Polypectomy requires the insertion of an endoscope fitted with specialised instruments, including a suction device or snares, into the colon.
• The endoscope is guided to the location of the polyp, which is then cut away from its surroundings using an electrical current or thermal energy.
• Once removed, the polyp may be sent for further testing or analysed by a pathologist for cancerous cells.

• Consultation with a doctor: Schedule an appointment with a qualified physician who specialises in gastroenterology or coloproctology to discuss your condition and determine whether polypectomy is necessary.
• Medical history: Provide your doctor with a detailed medical history, including any allergies or previous reactions to anaesthesia or other medications.
• Medication review: Inform your doctor of any current medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking as some of them can affect bleeding or increase the risk of complications.
• Preparation for colonoscopy: The procedure will require you to have an empty colon. Your doctor may prescribe a special diet, bowel preparation medication, and laxatives to clean your colon. You will also be instructed to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Inform your doctor of any existing medical conditions: Your doctor needs to know if you have any medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, as it may require special precautions or adjustments to the procedure.
• Arrange for a ride home: You will be given sedatives during the procedure, so it's important to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
• Discuss risks and benefits: Discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor, including the possibility of complications like bleeding, infection, or bowel perforation.
• Informed consent: You will be asked to sign a consent form indicating that you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as any potential alternatives to polypectomy.
• Follow instructions: Follow all pre-procedure instructions given to you by your doctor, including medication and diet restrictions, and be sure to ask any questions you may have before the procedure.

• Position the patient appropriately on a procedure table or chair in order to gain access to the area needing treatment .
• Prepare and drape the area, adhering to infection prevention protocols .
• Apply topical anaesthetic as needed.
• Insert an endoscopy scope into the body cavity/organ being examined.
• Identify and locate any polyps present in the area being examined .
• Use specialised instruments to carefully cut away any polyps identified, taking care not to damage surrounding tissue
• Perform lavage of affected area with saline solution, if indicated
• Collect biopsy samples of removed tissues for later evaluation by pathologist
• Monitor vital signs during and after procedure and document changes in medical records review all equipment

• Apply compression dressing: Apply a clean, sterile compress dressings to the polypectomy site, with the pressure adequate to control all bleeding.
• Monitor patient: Monitor the patient's vital signs, including a record of pulse and blood pressure at regular intervals during the recovery period.
• Discharge instructions: Provide written detailed discharge instructions and a follow up appointment as per hospital protocol
• Education: Educate patient on possible complications such as pain, swelling or bleeding and approaches to manage them
• Antibiotics prescription: Prescribe antibiotics if indicated to prevent infection at the polypectomy site
• Order follow-up exams: Order further imaging studies or endoscopies for surveillance depending upon polyp type, size and location
• Final check up: Ask patient about their current physical state before discharge from procedure area

Generally, it will cost anywhere from Rs. 0,000 to Rs. 70,000. This includes the doctor's fee, medications/supplies needed for the procedure, and hospital charges.

• The following foods make for good post-polypectomy nutrition:-
• Lean proteins like salmon and chicken breasts
• Steel cut oats, quinoa, and other whole grains
• High fibre fruits and vegetables like beans, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower
• Low fat dairy products like yoghourt and cottage cheese
• Wholesome fats derived from avocados and olive oil

Yes, polypectomy is a safe procedure.It is typically done with minimal risk and complications, and patients often report positive outcomes.Nonetheless, there are possible hazards, such as infection or bleeding, just as with any medical operation.

Yes, polypectomy is a safe procedure. It is typically done with minimal risk and complications, and patients often report positive outcomes. Nonetheless, there are possible hazards, such as infection or bleeding, just as with any medical operation.

Generally, most people recover within one to two weeks, although it may take longer for larger or more complex procedures.

After the surgery, some patients could feel some little discomfort for a few days. Doing simple activities like walking, avoiding strenuous physical activity, eating right and getting enough rest are also important in helping you to heal quickly.

• The most frequent polypectomy side effects include slight bleeding and discomfort.
• Other side effects may include cramping, infection, changes in bowel movements, and blockage of the intestines.
• In rare cases, polypectomy can also lead to narrowing or scarring of the intestines, which can prevent food and fluid from being properly absorbed.

• It's crucial to carefully adhere to your doctor's recommendations after a polypectomy.This includes:
• Proper wound care. Your doctor may recommend a special dressing and cleaning solution for the incision site. Follow their instructions carefully and keep the area as clean and dry as possible.
• Take medications as prescribed.You can be prescribed antibiotics or other drugs to use after surgery to lower the chance of infection. Even if you feel better sooner than you anticipated, it is crucial to take them for the whole duration of the therapy.
• Regular follow-up visit with your doctor. During these visits, your doctor will check the healing process and make sure no further intervention is needed.
• Avoid strenuous activity or contact sports such as football, soccer, or boxing for at least four weeks following surgery to avoid aggravating the wound or increasing your risk of infection.
• Avoid lifting anything more than 10 pounds until your doctor gives the all-clear.
• Eat plenty of healthy foods with dietary fibre to help promote normal bowel movements and help prevent constipation after surgery

In conclusion, polypectomy is a common and effective medical procedure that involves the removal of polyps from the lining of the colon or rectum. The polypectomy procedure is generally considered safe and effective, and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.

In order to avoid colon cancer, it's crucial to adhere to any post-procedure advice given by your doctor and to have routine polypectomy procedures and colonoscopies.