Polyp Removal (Polypectomy)

Polypectomy removes a bowel polyp, usually during colonoscopy, so it can be examined and may reduce future bowel cancer risk.

A polyp is a growth from the bowel lining. Some types can gradually develop into cancer, while others do not. Removal lets a laboratory examine the tissue and helps determine whether further surveillance is needed. Read about [Bowel Polyps](/conditions/colorectal-polyps/) and [Colonoscopy](/treatments/cancer-screening/colonoscopy/).

During colonoscopy, the clinician passes instruments through the flexible camera. A small polyp may be removed with a snare or similar device; a larger or flatter growth may need a more careful technique or a separate planned procedure. The tissue is sent for laboratory examination.

You generally receive sedation or another comfort measure discussed before the procedure. The bowel must be emptied beforehand, and the preparation can involve a prescribed laxative, clear-fluid instructions, and temporary changes to some medicines.

Bloating, wind, cramping, tiredness, or a small amount of bleeding can occur after the procedure. The chance of a problem depends on the polyp's size, shape, location, and removal method.

Seek urgent medical advice for heavy or persistent bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, fever, dizziness, fainting, or vomiting. These symptoms can signal bleeding, a tear in the bowel, or another complication and should not be managed by waiting at home.

The immediate aim is complete removal of the visible polyp and safe recovery. Laboratory findings determine whether the growth was benign, precancerous, or cancerous and whether its edges appear clear. A result may therefore change the timing of the next colonoscopy or prompt a discussion about additional treatment.

Polyp removal lowers the opportunity for a removed growth to cause future harm, but it does not prevent every new polyp. Keep the follow-up plan because surveillance is based on the number, size, type, and completeness of removal.

The removal technique is chosen after considering the polyp's appearance and the safest way to capture it. The pathology report, not the appearance alone, guides the longer-term plan.

Polypectomy is offered when a bowel polyp is found during colonoscopy and the clinician believes it can be removed safely. It may follow screening, investigation of symptoms such as [Blood in Stool](/symptoms/blood-in-stool/), or surveillance after an earlier polyp.

Some growths are too large, broad, or difficultly positioned for routine removal. In that situation, a specialist may recommend an advanced endoscopic technique or surgery instead.

Beforehand, review your medicines, allergies, medical conditions, and transport arrangements. Complete the bowel preparation as directed. At the appointment, the team checks you, gives the agreed sedation, performs the colonoscopy, removes the polyp, and observes you while the sedation wears off. Arrange an adult to accompany you if required by the sedation instructions.

You may feel bloated or sleepy for the rest of the day. Follow instructions about driving, alcohol, work, food, and medicines. A small delayed bleed can occur after removal, particularly with larger lesions, so keep the discharge contact details and know which symptoms require urgent help. Pathology results are communicated according to the service's process.

Risks include bleeding, a bowel-wall tear, infection, a reaction to sedation, and incomplete removal or recurrence of polyps. Blood-thinning medicines may need an individual plan; never stop them without instructions from the clinician managing them.

Depending on the growth, alternatives include monitoring with repeat examination, advanced endoscopic removal, or surgery. A stool test or scan may help assess the bowel in some settings, but these options do not remove a polyp or provide the same tissue diagnosis.

Ask whether the service can remove the type and size of polyp found, how sedation is handled, when pathology will be available, and who will arrange surveillance. Bring your medicine list and tell the team about previous bowel procedures or bleeding problems.