Polypectomy
Polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove polyps, which are abnormal tissue growths that can develop in various parts of the body, including the colon, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, or uterus. Polyps are typically detected during endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and may be removed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
During a polypectomy, specialized instruments such as snares or forceps are passed through the endoscope to grasp and remove the polyps from the lining of the organ. The procedure is usually performed under sedation to ensure patient comfort. Polypectomy is important for both diagnosis and prevention, as some polyps have the potential to develop into cancer if left untreated. After removal, polyps are typically sent to a pathology laboratory for further analysis to determine if they are benign, precancerous, or malignant.
Treatment involves:
- Removal of polyps using specialized instruments such as snares or forceps
- Biopsy of suspicious polyps for further evaluation
- Surveillance colonoscopy to monitor for recurrence of polyps or development of new lesions