A polypectomy is the surgical removal of a polyp. Colon polyps can be removed through open abdominal surgery, but more commonly it is performed during a colonoscopy. The endoscopist may snip off a small polyp with a forceps or remove a larger polyp with a snare that burns through the base of the polyp.
A polypectomy is usually carried out at the same time as a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a colonoscope will be inserted into your rectum so your doctor can see all segments of your colon. A colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light at the end of it.
Many tumors of the colon develop as a benign (noncancerous) growth before becoming malignant (cancerous). A colonoscopy is first done to detect the presence of any polyps. If any are detected, a polypectomy is performed and the tissue is removed.
A person may feel pressure or pulling during the procedure, but they should feel no pain. Depending on the location of the polyp and other factors, a doctor may give the person pain-blocking medication before, during, or after the procedure.
If you've having a simple polypectomy with no other procedure you will experience some bright red bleeding for about 4-5 days. This will be followed by a brown discharge for another week until it stops entirely. You may be asked to take 24 to 48 hours off from work depending on your own individual circumstances.