Polypectomy

A polypectomy is a colonoscopy procedure that allows gastroenterologists to remove precancerous polyps — or growths — from the colon. The term "complex" refers to the number, size and/or location of polyps within the colon. gastroenterologists routinely perform endoscopic removal of polyps in complex cases which might otherwise require an operation to remove a section of the colon. Endoscopic removal of polyps rather than surgery means that patients have a shorter recovery and a quicker return to daily activities.

Colon polyps are a common occurrence in the adult population, occurring in about one out of three people. A variety of inherited and environmental factors cause polyps to form in the colon. Not all polyps progress to cancer; nonetheless, gastroenterologists generally remove all polyps they encounter in the colon to reduce the chance of cancer developing.

Gastrointestinal polyps can be removed endoscopically through colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or surgically if the polyp is too large to be removed endoscopically. The method used to perform colonic polypectomies during colonoscopy depends on the size, shape and histological type of the polyp to be removed. Prior to performing polypectomy, polyps can be biopsied and examined histologically to determine the need to perform polypectomy.