"Polyps are relatively common in children. Many of these are juvenile polyps which are not cancerous. Some polyps occur as part of a polyposis syndrome. As part of both the evaluation and treatment of polyps, they are removed endoscopically by polypectomy. This is done through the colonoscope if the polyps are in the colon (large intestine) which is the most common location, or through the endoscope if the polyps are in the stomach or small intestine. If the polyp is very small, it may be removed with a biopsy forcep which is passed through the endoscope or colonoscope. If the polyp is larger, the base of the polyp is grabbed by a snare which is passed through the endoscope or colonoscope. This allows the polyp to be taken off. Whether removed by biopsy forceps or snare, the polyp is sent to pathology to be examined under a microscope to determine what type of polyp it is."
A polypectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of a polyp. Your doctor may have found a polyp in your digestive tract when you had a colonoscopy (for a description of this procedure see "Colonoscopy"). A polyp is a mass of tissue that has grown on the inside wall of your intestines, but it should not be there (See Polyps in the Gastrointestinal Tract). The doctor has to remove it and test the tissue to see if it is simply extra tissue or if it is cancerous.
What will the procedure involve?
You will be given medicine that will help you go to sleep. The procedure is similar to a colonoscopy in that the doctor will place a small, flexible tube through your rectum into the colon. The doctor will then be able to place an instrument in the tube to get to the site of the polyp so that he can take it out.
Before and After the Procedure
In the weeks prior to the procedure you will need to take acetaminophen instead of aspirin or ibuprofen in order to decrease the chances of increased bleeding during the procedure. You will also need to prepare for the procedure in the same way that you would for a colonoscopy (see "Colonoscopy Preparation").
Following the procedure, you may feel some discomfort due to increased gas or abdominal cramping. You may also have a small amount of rectal bleeding, which is normal.
When to Call the Doctor
You should have your parents call the doctor if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- A large amount of rectal bleeding
- Fever
- Symptoms becoming worse
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