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Intestinal polyps are usually removed by a procedure called polypectomy, during a colonoscopy, in which a rod that is attached to the device pulls the polyp from the intestine wall, to prevent it from becoming cancer. However, when the polyp is very large, minor surgery may be necessary to facilitate access and removal of all affected tissue.
After removing the polyps, the doctor usually sends them to a laboratory to be analyzed under a microscope, in order to identify whether there are cancer cells that may indicate a risk of developing colon cancer.
If changes in the polyp cells are identified, the doctor can schedule colonoscopy every 2 years, for example, to check for new changes that may indicate the development of cancer. Understand better what intestinal polyps are.
How the preparation should be
To prepare for the removal of the polyps, it is usually requested to use laxatives 24 hours before the exam, to clean the intestine by eliminating all feces, this will facilitate the process of observation of the location where the polyps are. It may also be necessary for the person to eat a liquid diet, drinking only water and soups.
In addition, in the 3 days prior to the procedure, the patient should not take anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and anticoagulants, as these drugs increase the risk of internal bleeding in the intestine.
Possible complications of polypectomy
In the first 2 days after polypectomy there may be a small amount of bleeding, which can be easily seen in the stool. This bleeding can rarely last up to 10 days after the procedure, but this is not a serious situation.
However, if the bleeding does not subside, it is bulky and the person has severe abdominal pain, fever and the abdomen becomes swollen, it is recommended to inform the doctor because a perforation of the intestinal wall may have occurred and it may be necessary to have another surgery.
Necessary care after removing intestinal polyps
After the removal of intestinal polyps, the appearance of small amounts of blood in the stool is normal, not a cause for concern, however, it is important to be aware if there is excessive bleeding during the first 5 days, as in these cases it is recommended to go immediately to the emergency room. -help. It is also important to avoid using anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 days, such as Ibuprofen, for example, as there is a risk of intestinal bleeding.
In the days following the removal of the polyps, it is common for the intestinal walls to become more sensitive and for this reason, a light diet should be made, based on grilled and cooked foods, during the first 2 days. Know what to eat after removing the polyps.
Most patients can return to their usual diet after the procedure, but if there is any type of gastrointestinal discomfort, one should follow the guidelines that the doctor and nutritionist will provide the best information on how it can be with food.
As the withdrawal is done with sedation or anesthesia, it is also advisable that, after the examination, the patient is taken home by a family member, since one should not drive in the first 12 hours.