Do you need a referral for polyp removal?

The exact route depends on the facility and how the polyp was found. Contact the endoscopy service to learn whether it accepts direct appointments or needs a clinician to submit a referral with the examination findings.

Polypectomy means removing a polyp, often during an endoscopic procedure. The gastroenterology team reviews where the polyp is, how it was identified, its estimated size and appearance, whether tissue has already been sampled, and any factors that could alter the procedure plan.

A referral supplies clinical context, but it does not determine the final technique. The specialist may need the original procedure report, images, or pathology result before advising whether removal can occur during a planned endoscopy or needs a different approach.

Ask the service which referral form and records are required. Gather the endoscopy or imaging report that found the polyp, available photographs, pathology results, your medicine list, allergies, and details of previous abdominal procedures.

Tell the team if you take blood-thinning medicines, have a bleeding disorder, use diabetes treatment, could be pregnant, or previously had difficulty with sedation. Do not stop prescribed medicine on your own. The clinician responsible for the procedure should give individualized instructions, including any bowel preparation and transport arrangements.

Before the procedure, seek prompt advice for ongoing rectal bleeding, black stools, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or increasing weakness. These symptoms need clinical assessment rather than simply waiting for a routine booking.

After polyp removal, follow the discharge instructions. Obtain urgent help for heavy or persistent bleeding, severe or increasing abdominal pain, a swollen rigid abdomen, fever, fainting, chest pain, or breathing difficulty. Tell the urgent-care team when and where the procedure was performed.

Ask which procedure is proposed, whether the entire polyp is expected to be removed, how tissue will be examined, what medicine changes are needed, which aftercare symptoms require a call, and who will discuss the pathology result. Confirm when eating, driving, work, and usual activities can resume.