The greatest danger with intestinal polyps is their potential to turn into cancerous tumors. Noncancerous polyps are often removed as well, because they can cause troublesome symptoms. Additionally, a physician does not know if a polyp is precancerous until it is removed and examined under the mivcroscope. Most polyps, however, do not cause symptoms, although rarely they may cause:
Bleeding (resulting in rectal bleeding)
Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea, constipation, and/or bloating that lasts over a period of time
Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure
Stress
Obesity
Chronic or recent illness
Excessive use of alcohol
Smoking
Use of narcotics or other mind altering drug
Use of certain prescription medications, including muscle relaxants and sedatives, anti-hypertensives, insulin, beta-adrenergic blockers, and cortisone
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor will likely do the following, in order to determine if the polyps need to be removed:
Barium enema
X-rays
Diagnostic colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy - examination of the inside of the intestine with an endoscope, a long, flexible instrument that shines light and allows the doctor to view the inside of the intestine through a tiny video camera
In the days leading up to your procedure:
Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) for one week before the procedure
Do not take any iron-containing supplements or medications for 4 days before the procedure
The rectum and colon must be completely clean for this procedure, therefore your doctor will prescribe a special cleaning solution and/or use laxatives and enemas for you to take 24-48 hours before the procedure
Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure
Do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before the procedure
During Procedure - IV, sedative, painkillers; you will be awake, but very drowsy
Anesthesia - Sedative
Description of the Procedure - You lie on your side or on your back. A colonoscope, a soft, bendable tube approximately the thickness of the index finger, is inserted through the anus, and slowly pushed through the rectum to the colon. Using the colonoscope, the surgeon locates the polyp (or polyps), and surgically removes them with a wire snare, a surgical laser beam, by burning, or using an ultrasound. The method of removal depends on the size of the polyp. Bleeding during the surgery is controlled either by electrical current, or by pressure applied by gauze soaked in epinephrine. Once the removed polyp or polyps are preserved for laboratory testing, the colonoscope is slowly removed.
After Procedure - The polyps are sent to the laboratory for testing
How Long Will It Take? 30-60 minutes
Will It Hurt? The special cleaning solution, laxatives, and/or enemas taken before your procedure often cause discomfort. During and following the procedure, there is little or no pain. However, discomfort in the form of pressure, bloating, and/or cramping often occurs due to air that enters the large intestine during the procedure. This discomfort usually subsides within 24 hours with the passage of gas. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers. If not, you can take non-prescription pain relievers for any residual pain.
Possible Complications - Complications are rare, but include:
Perforation of colon wall
Excessive bleeding
Adverse reaction to the sedative
Infection at the site where the polyp or polyps are surgically removed
Average Hospital Stay: 0-1 day
Postoperative Care:
Because the sedative will make you drowsy, don't drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions the day of the procedure.
Return to your normal diet the same or next day. However, avoid tea, coffee, cola drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods (all of which can irritate the digestive system) for at least 2-3 days following surgery.
To speed healing, resume normal activities as soon as you feel able (usually by the next day).
Do not participate in any rigorous exercise for 4 weeks after the procedure (unless your doctor says otherwise).
You will be scheduled for follow-up testing (colonoscopy) at least once per year, to check for recurrence of polyps.
Outcome
Your doctor will discuss the results with you either the day of surgery or the following day. If cancer is detected, your doctor will explain your condition and treatment options. Additional treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.
Expect complete recovery from your polypectomy within 2 weeks.
Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs
Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the rectum; up to 1/2 cup per day of blood can be expected for up to 3-4 days following polypectomy
Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
Constipation or abdominal swelling
New, unexplained symptoms
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
http://www.askasge.org/
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
