Polypectomy
Polypectomy is a medical procedure used to remove polyps, which are abnormal growths of tissue that can form on the inner lining of organs such as the colon, stomach, or uterus. Polyps can vary in size and type, and while many are benign, some may develop into cancer over time. The goal of polypectomy is to eliminate these growths to prevent potential complications, including malignancy.
Indications: Polypectomy is most commonly performed in the colon during colonoscopy as part of colorectal cancer screening. Polyps detected in the colon are often removed to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly when they are adenomatous polyps, which have a higher potential to
become cancerous. Other indications include:
- Removing polyps found during routine screening (e.g., colonoscopy or endoscopy).
Procedure: Polypectomy is typically done during an endoscopic examination, such as a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or gastroscopy. The procedure involves the following steps:
- Sedation: The patient is usually given sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Polyps Identification: The doctor uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a light and camera) to visualize the polyps.
- Polyp Removal: A specialized tool, such as a snare (a loop of wire), is used to capture and remove the polyp. For larger polyps, cautery or other instruments may be used to cut and cauterize the tissue.
- Post-Procedure Care: Once removed, the polyp is sent for pathological analysis to determine its nature (benign or malignant).
Types of Polypectomy:
- Hot Polypectomy: Involves the use of cautery to remove the polyp, which helps control bleeding.
- Cold Polypectomy: Performed without cautery, using a snare to physically remove smaller polyps.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): A more advanced technique used for larger or more difficult polyps, where a section of the mucosal lining is removed along with the polyp.
Risks and Complications: While polypectomy is generally safe, some risks include bleeding, perforation (a hole in the organ wall), and infection. In rare cases, polyps may not be fully removed, requiring additional procedures.
Overall, polypectomy is a crucial tool in the prevention and early detection of cancer, particularly in the colon, and is part of regular screening programs to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.
