How can colon polyps be removed?
Colon polyps are removed during a colonoscopy. Polyps should generally be removed for histological examination. In most cases it is not possible to distinguish between the different types during colonoscopy.
Therefore, it is not possible to decide whether there is a risk of degeneration or not. A sling is usually used to remove a polyp. The polyp is grasped with the sling and then separated by the addition of electricity.
This is painless for the patient. The polyp is then recovered with special instruments and sent to the pathologist, who examines the polyp in detail. The pathologist can then make the above-mentioned classification.
In most cases, polyp removal is free of complications. Rarely, however, there may be bleeding from the site of ablation. This bleeding must then be treated endoscopically, i.e. by means of a new endoscopy of the intestine.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of colon polyps is made by colonoscopy. In a colonoscopy, the examiner inserts a long, flexible tube with a camera into the anus and pushes it forward to the beginning of the colon. When the tube is pulled back, the camera can be used to assess the mucosa of the colon.
The patient is given a sleeping pill for the duration of the examination so that he or she is not aware of the examination. The examination has a very low risk and can be performed on an outpatient basis (in an internal medicine practice) in stable patients. In order to have a clear view of the mucous membrane during the examination, the intestine must first be cleaned. For this purpose the patient is given a laxative. The advantage of the endoscopic examination is that any colon polyps discovered can be removed immediately or tissue samples can be taken.
Prognosis
Thanks to the possibility of early detection during a colonoscopy, it is now easy to detect and remove colon polyps at an early stage. This significantly reduces the risk of cancer development. In general, polyps are not dangerous and removal is a sufficient therapy. Once polyps have developed, further polyps are often discovered during later colonoscopies. Therefore, it is always advisable to have check-ups at regular intervals.
