Polypectomy

A polyp is a growth that starts in tissue and spreads into the area surrounding it that is hollow. A polyp is removed through a process called polypectomy. Uterine and colon polypectomies are the two most popular forms of polypectomy.  A polypectomy entails the removal of polyps that may be symptomatic, may be malignant, or might necessitate being examined. This relatively non-invasive technique is typically done concurrently by a colonoscopy.

Why is Polypectomy surgery Performed?

Polyps have to be removed as some might be cancerous or precancerous and in some instances non cancerous. The first step in finding any polyps is by undergoing a colonoscopy. If any are found, the tissue is removed during a polypectomy. Colon cancer can be avoided in this way.

Where Do Polyps Occur?

Additional reasonably frequent locations for polypectomy

include:

1. Nose
2. Cervix
3. Voice box
4. Abdomen
5. Uterus
6. Rectum /Colon

What Happens If The Polyps Are Not Removed?

Some polyps may be cancerous and precancerous which make them necessary to be removed.

Few polyps are non cancerous yet these need to be removed because these polyps can expand to enormous sizes even when they are not malignant. If they occur, they might change blood flow, put pressure on organs, and bring on a variety of other symptoms.

Surgery

• The surgical procedure and the location of the polyps will determine how to prepare for a polypectomy. For the procedure, many patients prefer to be awake. Some people might favor general  anesthesia. In this situation, the medical professional will provide an IV needle-based sedative to the patient. They get tranquilized and sleepy as a result.
• With an endoscope, doctors can remove the majority of polyps. This is a tube that the doctor into the body rather than making a significant incision. But before a colon polypectomy may be performed, the colon must be empty . Laxatives, enemas, or both may be required 12 to 24 hours prior to surgery. Different surgical methods are used to remove polyps depending upon the condition of the patient. The most common ways are as follows
• Hot Snare Polypectomy (HSP) – Polypectomy with a heated snare is known as a hot snare polypectomy (HSP) and is the treatment of choice for the majority of polyps. A loop called a snare can seize and remove the polyp. To burn away any residual polyp tissue, the surgeon may also employ electrocautery.
•  Cold Snare Polypectomy (CSP) – Cold snare polypectomy is the method of choice whereA cold snare is used, exclusively for small (1–5 mm) polyps.
•  Cold or Hot Forceps Polypectomy – This is a more antiquated method of removing tinypolyps involves forceps to pull the polyp out. This is known as a cold or hot forceps polypectomy. Additionally, the surgeon will use a wire to cut away the polyp & tissue invading section. If the polyp is particularly heated, the surgeon may additionally employ electrocautery to burn off (cauterization) any residual polyp tissue and stop any bleeding.
• During the process, the patient may feel pressure or tugging, but they shouldn't experience any discomfort. A doctor may administer painkillers prior to, during, or after the treatment, depending on the location of the polyp and other elements. Once the polyp is removed the tissue sample is sent to the laboratory to find if it’s cancerous or not.

What is the Surgery procedure in case of Large Polyps?

Large polyps are thought to be more technically difficult to treat or to have a higher risk of problems because of their size, location, or structure. Either endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) procedure can be applied in these circumstances. Prior to excision in EMR, the polyp is removed from the underlying tissue via a fluid injection.

Saline is frequently used to make this fluid injection. Piecemeal resection refers to the removal of the polyp one piece at a time. ESD involves injecting fluid deep inside the lesion, which allows the polyp to be completely removed. Bowel surgery could be required for some bigger polyps that cannot be eliminated endoscopically.

Post Surgery Recovery 

• Driving shouldn’t be done for 24 hours after a polypectomy.
• Recovery usually happens quickly. Minor side effects including bloating, cramps, and gas normally go away in a day or two.
•  It may take up to two weeks to fully recuperate from a more complex surgery.
• The doctor might even suggest some dietary restrictions for a few weeks especially caffeine intake, tea, sodas / aerated beverages, alcohol and spicy peppery food.