Polyps in the stomach
Polyps in the stomach are newly formed protuberances of the stomach mucosa and are often benign. Often there are several polyps at the same time, one speaks then of multiple gastric polyps. Polyps in the stomach often occur after the age of 60, but can also occur in young people.
In addition to the stomach, the large intestine is often affected by polyps, but they can occur throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. By means of a gastroscopy, the doctor can determine the polyps in the stomach and usually also remove them electrically during the examination. Gastric polyps can be classified in different ways: According to their shape (stalked/unstemmed, spherical, shaggy) and according to their cellular structure, i.e. what type of glands are found in the mucous membrane of the gastric polyp.
If it is the so-called adenomatous type, this can be a precursor of stomach cancer and should be removed from a size over 5 mm. Polyps in the stomach often do not cause any complaints, only larger polyps can cause a feeling of fullness or pain in the upper abdomen. Warning symptoms are vomiting blood or tarry stools (black coloration of the stool), then a doctor should be consulted immediately.
A cause for the occurrence of gastric polyps has not yet been identified, although poor eating habits (low fiber, high fat) and infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium could play a role. There is also a genetic form of gastric polyps known, the polyposis syndrome, where polyps occur en masse in the stomach and other parts of the intestine, often affecting several family members. The so-called adenotomy, i.e. the removal of the troublesome tonsil, is usually performed in childhood, since the polyps often regress themselves during adolescence.
A general anesthetic is used, the polyps are removed and any bleeding is then stopped with absorbent cotton. The procedure takes about ten to twenty minutes and is a common procedure. The biggest and most common risk of this polyp surgery is post-operative bleeding, which can occur mainly on the day and around the 5th-8th day after the surgery, so physical rest is necessary for a few days.
An enlarged pharyngeal tonsil is often referred to as a polyp in small children. The pharyngeal tonsil is part of the body’s own defense system and protects the body from pathogens with the help of immune cells. It lies above the uvula behind the nose.
An enlarged pharyngeal tonsil on its own has no disease value; it usually occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 6. Polyps can, however, be responsible for snoring, difficult nasal breathing and permanent rhinitis. Children often breathe through the open mouth and have a slightly clumsy speech.
Recurring middle ear infections in children can also be caused by adenoids if they block the ventilation path between the nose and ear; in the worst case, this can delay the child’s language learning. In these cases, removal of the polyps is often advised, which is usually done surgically on an outpatient basis.The so-called adenotomy, i.e. the removal of the troublesome tonsil, is usually performed in childhood, since the adenoids often recede during adolescence. A general anesthetic is used, the polyps are removed and any bleeding is then stopped with absorbent cotton.
The procedure takes about ten to twenty minutes and is a common procedure. The biggest and most common risk of this polyp surgery is post-operative bleeding, which can occur mainly on the day and around the 5th-8th day after the surgery, so physical rest is necessary for a few days.
