MediGence: Enabling Better Health Decisions

When you go to the doctor for regular checkups of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum (the bottom section of your colon), colorectal polyps may be found by the doctor. These are considered abnormal growths which begin in the inner lining of the rectum or inner lining of the colon. Some of these growths are attached via a stalk whereas others are flat on the surface. In case the rectal polyp is very large, you may need to undergo surgery. These growths can be present anywhere in your colon or rectum but are most often found on the left side. Some of them have precancerous tendencies and it is important to get them removed so that the risk of colorectal cancer diminishes greatly.

In fact, you may not even experience any symptoms due to the presence of polyps, but sometimes the large size of the polyps can lead to symptoms. Even though rare, certain signs of having polyps are

Rectal Bleeding
Blood in the Stool or Change of Stool Colour
Constipation and Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and vomiting
Anemia

Through colonoscopy, colon and rectal surgeons will find and remove the polyps. The techniques are to remove polyps using wire loop, biopsy forceps, electric current is also used sometimes. The procedure thus used is polyp resection or polypectomy which takes 30 to 60 minutes to be completed. If the polyp is bigger in size, minimal surgery might have to be used, and endoscopic mucosal resection surgery is recommended by doctors.

CT colonography (called virtual colonoscopy) is done just to evaluate the presence of polyps, a colonoscopy is still required for biopsy or removal of polyps. There are other tests such as a digital rectal exam, fecal occult blood testing (microscopic or invisible blood in the stool), barium enema, and sigmoidoscopy which all help in finding if polyps are present or not.

The transanal incision is made for removing rectal polyps present on the lower end. The procedure begins by administering general anesthesia and the removal of polyp takes place via the rectum. Most times the procedure is accomplished as an outpatient procedure and only an overnight stay is required for the patient. The recovery is quick as well.

The Benefit of the Rectal Polyp Removal Procedure

This procedure reduces the chances of the condition developing into colorectal cancer. Further, more tests and surgeries to remove polyps will no longer be needed.

Risks and complications of the Rectal Polyp Removal Procedure

There are several risks and complications that can happen after the Rectal Polyp Removal Procedure and we have listed them here for your convenience.

Fever or Chills
Heavy Bleeding (more than a teaspoon at a time)
Severe Abdominal Pain or Bloating
Vomiting
Lightheadedness, Dizziness, or Fainting
Rare Side Effects such as Rectal Bleeding and Perforation of the Bowel
Follow up care required post Rectal Polyp Removal Procedure

You must continue to go for regular checkups post the removal process. This is done to be sure that new polyps have not developed. Although this does not happen in the majority of cases, around 30% of people may get these growths again. These follow-ups begin around three years to five years after the polyp removal procedure.

There is another way with which you can ensure that you do not get polyps or are at a much-reduced risk for them, with due consultation from your doctor. This is possible with a daily dose of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).