Introduction:
Polypectomy is a technique used to remove polyps in the colon (large intestine). Polyps are an abnormal accumulation of tissues that may cause bleeding and difficulty absorbing nutrients and water from digested food. The procedure of polypectomy is non-invasive and is carried out along with the process of colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is an incision of a thin tube with a camera inside the colon to evaluate the large intestines and remove the polyps or other minor issues. This technique consumes very less time, and the duration of hospitalization is also less than open surgeries.
What Is the Purpose of Colon Polypectomy?
Polyps are the accumulation of tissue that may gradually increase in size and lead to serious issues such as benign tumors or malignancies. The procedure of colonoscopy first examines the polyps. This helps to know where the polyps are cancerous, precancerous, or benign.
What Are Colon Polyps?
Colon polyps are small lumps of the tissue lining the walls of the large intestine, these may be harmless, but sometimes they may turn cancerous. The polyps can be developed in any individual; however, people more than 50 years of age, have a history of colon polyps or colon cancer in the family, are overweight, or smokers are more prone to develop the polyps. Generally, colon polyps do not cause any symptoms; thus, a colonoscopy is important at an early stage to prevent further complications. Usually, colon polyps are asymptomatic, but in some cases, they may show symptoms such as:
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Rectal Bleeding: There are several reasons behind rectal bleeding, which include colon polyps, cancer of the colon, hemorrhoids, or minor tears around the anus.
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Changes in Color of Stool: Blood stains can appear as red streaks on the stool, or they may also give a black color to the stools. However, a color change can also be due to eating red food color.
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Pain: Obstruction due to large colon polyps can partially obstruct the intestines and cause pain in the abdomen.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia: Chronic bleeding from the polyps gradually leads to blood loss and, thus, a deficiency of iron in the body. This deficiency of iron can lead to weakness and fatigue in the body.
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Changes in Bowel Habits: Lasting constipation or diarrhea for more than a week indicates the presence of a larger colon polyp or cancerous lesion in the large intestines.
What Is Colon Polypectomy?
The process of removal of polyps from the colon is known as polypectomy. This treatment procedure is performed along with a colonoscopy, which is done to investigate the presence of polyps in the colon. A thin tube known as a colonoscope is inserted inside the colon with a camera and light attached during a colonoscopy. This helps to locate the polyps inside the large intestine. This method evaluates the colon for any polyps or cancerous growth. However, if the doctor finds polyps during colonoscopy, they usually remove them simultaneously. There are several ways to remove the polyps, depending on their size and number. Polyps can be small, large, or sessile with no stalks. Small polyps 5 millimeters in diameter can be excised with the biopsy forceps. Larger polyps that are more than 2 centimeters in diameter can be removed using a snare.
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In cases of snare polypectomy, a thin wire is looped around the bottom of the polyp and cut down with the help of heat, followed by removing any remaining tissue or stalk by cauterization.
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In large polyps, the locations and configurations are considered more complicated and have a higher risk of complications. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is performed to remove the polyps. In the endoscopic mucosal technique (EMR), the polyps are lifted from the tissue below with the help of a fluid injection. This fluid injection consists of saline. One piece of the polyp is removed at a time, known as piecemeal resection. In endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), the fluid is injected deep inside the lesion, and the polyp is removed in one piece.
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Some more large polyps can not be removed endoscopically; these are removed by bowel surgery.
How to Prepare a Patient for Colon Polypectomy?
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For a colonoscopy, it is essential to have a clear intestine to avoid any visual obstruction; for this, the patient is asked to thoroughly clean the bowel one or two days before the colonoscopy. This can be done by using laxatives, eating a clean diet, and having an enema.
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Before the colonoscopy, the anesthetist will monitor the patient to check for any anesthesia allergy; if there are no such signs, anesthesia is administered.
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The patient is then asked to lie on the side with both legs pulled towards the chest.
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Once the colonoscope is inserted, the polyps are excised depending on their size. The procedure takes around 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number of polyps and their size.
What Food Is Avoided After Polypectomy?
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The recovery of colon polypectomy is relatively quick, with very few side effects, such as bloating, cramps, or gassiness, that may resolve within 24 hours.
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There are some of the food items which should be avoided after the colon polypectomy:
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Coffee as it contains caffeine which may affect healing.
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Tea.
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Alcohol.
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Spicy foods may affect digestion.
What Are the Complications of Colon Polypectomy?
Complications of colonoscopy and polypectomy are very rare, but if they appear, they can be:
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Perforation of the bowel or rectal bleeding.
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Severe pain or bloating in the abdomen.
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Fever and chills.
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Heavy bleeding.
Conclusion:
Colon polypectomy is a procedure for removing polyps from the large intestine, which can be benign, precancerous, or cancerous. The procedure is performed with a colonoscopy, a minimally invasive technique for investigating the intestines and removal of polyps. The polyps are generally asymptomatic, but in some cases, they may show symptoms such as rectal bleeding, irregular bowel, or black stools. Removing the polyps is essential as they may become cancerous if left untreated.
