Proper preparation is necessary for the polyps to be detected and polypectomy to be a success. To ensure a clear view of the colon wall, you will need to follow a bowel-preparation plan, which will include a liquid diet and prescribed laxatives to help flush the colon and allow your doctor to detect and remove the colon polyps. A good colon preparation will result in clear or slightly yellow or green-tinged bowel movements.
Our team will give you detailed instructions on how to:
- Take your bowel preparation medication.
- Adjust your diet in the days leading up to the procedure.
- Follow hydration guidelines.
Note that if you currently take medications like blood thinners, our team will advise on whether anything needs to change before your procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.
A polypectomy is performed during a colonoscopy under light sedation or anaesthesia. The endoscope is inserted into the rectum and a small amount of carbon dioxide gas can be used to inflate the colon for better visibility.
Once the polyps are spotted, your surgeon will remove them using either:
- A snare loop, which cuts and removes the polyp using an electrical current.
- Forceps for smaller polyps.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for larger or more complex polyps.
The procedure is quick and painless, usually around 30 to 60 minutes.
Following a polypectomy, patients are monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the sedation have worn off. Since the procedure involves anaesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home.
Some patients can experience mild bloating or discomfort because of residual gas in the colon, but this should resolve itself within a few hours. Normal activities can usually be resumed the next day, although patients should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
The removed colon polyps are sent to a laboratory for analysis, with results generally taking one to two weeks. If the histopathology results show the presence of precancerous or cancerous tissue, more testing or treatment might be needed.
