What to expect from polyp removal for bowel polyps

Polyp removal for bowel polyps is commonly performed during a colonoscopy, with the tissue sent for laboratory examination. A flexible camera is passed through the bowel, and a snare or another instrument removes the polyp. Sedation may make you drowsy, and the clinician may place a clip or use another method to control bleeding at the removal site.

A laboratory examines the removed tissue to identify its type, size, and cell features. These findings help determine whether the polyp was fully removed and when the bowel should be checked again. The appearance during colonoscopy can guide immediate decisions, but it cannot replace the laboratory result.

You will usually need bowel preparation so the lining can be seen clearly. Follow instructions about fluids, food, blood-thinning medicines, and diabetes medicines. Arrange an adult to take you home if sedation is used, and do not drive until the team says it is safe. Mild bloating or cramping can occur as air leaves the bowel; follow the discharge instructions and resume food as advised.

Small streaks of blood can occur after removal, but contact your care team urgently for ongoing or heavy bleeding, black stools, severe or increasing abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, marked dizziness, or fainting. Sudden abdominal swelling with severe pain needs emergency assessment.

Ask how the bowel preparation should be taken, which medicines to pause, whether a clip was placed, and when normal activities can resume. Ask when the tissue result is expected, how it will be communicated, and what follow-up examination the result may call for.