polipektomi

Polipektomi is a medical procedure for the removal of polyps, abnormal tissue growths that protrude from a mucous membrane. It is most commonly performed during endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon, to prevent progression to colorectal cancer. Polyps are often benign but may be precancerous or malignant; removing them allows histopathological assessment and reduces cancer risk.

Indications for polipektomi include detection of polyps during routine screening or diagnostic endoscopy, polyps causing symptoms such as bleeding or obstruction, and polyps with visual or histological features suggesting higher cancer risk.

Techniques vary by polyp size, shape and location. Common endoscopic methods include cold snare polypectomy for small lesions, and hot (electrocautery) snare polypectomy for larger or sessile polyps. Injection-assisted techniques lift the polyp before removal. Larger polyps may be removed piecemeal using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or removed en bloc with EMR or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) when feasible. Other tools such as cold forceps may be used for very small polyps. Choice of method depends on the polyp’s characteristics and the endoscopist’s experience.

Risks include bleeding, perforation of the gastrointestinal wall, post-polypectomy syndrome, and infection. Complications are generally uncommon but more frequent with larger polyps or heated techniques. Adequate preparation and post-procedural monitoring reduce risk.

Preparation and follow-up typically involve bowel preparation and assessment of coagulation status, with sedation commonly used. After removal, polyps are sent to pathology for histology. Surveillance colonoscopy is guided by polyp number, size, histology and resection completeness, with intervals varying by guidelines.