A polypectomy is the surgical removal of a polyp, an abnormal growth of tissue on a mucous membrane. Surgeons may perform a polypectomy as part of an endoscopic procedure to remove polyps from many parts of the body, including the uterus, the cervix, and the small intestines. However, polypectomy surgery is most often performed to remove polyps from the colon during a colonoscopy. Surgeons performing a colon polypectomy will remove polyps for further examination to determine if the polyps are cancerous or pre-cancerous.
A colon polypectomy is performed using a wire loop passed through the colonoscope. The wire loop severs the polyp from the colon using an electric current. While a polypectomy should not cause pain, patients may find dark red blood clots in their first stool following the polypectomy procedure. Colon cancer screening, including a polypectomy if polyps are found, is important for prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, which is the third most common form of cancer among both men and women in the U.S. If colon cancer is found, colorectal cancer surgery may be recommended to remove the cancerous tissue.
For patients in the Boston area seeking colon cancer screening and polypectomy services, Brigham and Women's Hospital provides comprehensive gastrointestinal endoscopy and cancer treatment services.
Learn more about a polypectomy at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Brigham and Women's Hospital is one of the world's leading research and treatment institutions. Located in Boston's Longwood Medical area, Brigham and Women's Hospital combines the most advanced treatment for cancer with the compassion and care that can make all the difference to cancer patients and their family. We also provide high-quality endoscopy and diagnostic services, including polypectomy, for cancer screening and diagnosis.
At Brigham and Women's Hospital, our experts in gastrointestinal cancer offer the latest in clinical care, as well as a wide range of support services to address a patient's physical, mental and emotional needs. Whether preparing a patient for colon cancer surgery, using chemotherapy to treat stomach cancer or radiation treatments for pancreatic cancer, our treatment team works closely with each patient to develop a highly tailored, personalized plan for treatment and follow-up, designed to give each patient the best chance to fight their cancer.
Patients may undergo colon cancer screening, including polypectomy, at one of two locations in the greater Boston area: at Brigham and Women's main campus at 75 Francis Street in the Longwood Medical area, or at the Brigham and Women's Hospital Ambulatory Care Center at 850 Boylston Street in Chestnut Hill, which offers complimentary parking for patients and visitors.
Learn more now about polypectomy surgery, colorectal cancer treatment, and other gastrointestinal cancer therapy options available at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Learn more about Polypectomy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
In this video, Jessica Allegretti, MD, MPH, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, describes colon cancer screening guidelines and what to expect during a colonoscopy, a colon cancer screening exam. A colonoscopy can find lesions before they become problematic and remove them. Transcript available.
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