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The purpose of the surgery is to remove a polyp, a possible cancer source. The greatest danger with intestinal polyps is their potential to turn into cancerous tumors. Regular screening to find polyps when they are small is important. In rare cases, larger polyps can cause troublesome symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and bowel irregularities. A physician will determine if your polyp is precancerous after it is removed and examined under the microscope.
- Type, size (larger than 20 mm), and location of the polyp
- Patient factors such as blood-clotting disorders, substance abuse, or other diseases (obesity, diabetes)
Your doctor will likely do the following, 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 four 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 hospital.
- Do not eat or drink for at least eight hours before the procedure.
Sedative and painkillers will be given. You will be awake, but very drowsy.
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. Various methods for removal are used depending on the size of the polyp. Using the colonoscope, the surgeon locates the polyp (or polyps), and snips them with a wire snare or cauterizes them with an electrical current. Bleeding during surgery is controlled by electrical current. The polyp or polyps are removed for lab testing. The colonoscope is slowly removed.
For larger polyps, a laparscopic surgical procedure may be considered. This is when small incisions are made in the abdomen and special instruments with a camera are used to perform the surgery The polyps are sent to the laboratory for testing. You will wait until your doctor comes back to explain the findings. You may have some cramping or bloating until you pass gas. Your doctor will explain short-term dietary and activity limitations.
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.
Complications are rare, but include:
- Opening in the colon wall
- Excessive bleeding
- Adverse reaction to the sedative
- Infection at the site where the polyp or polyps are surgically removed
- 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 four 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.
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 two weeks. - Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the rectum; up to ½ 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
Last reviewed May 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD 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. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. |
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