At a glance
Polypectomy is a procedure in which a doctor removes polyps (small, abnormal growths of tissue) from the lining of the digestive tract, most often from the colon (large intestine) or rectum.
Polyps grow when cells in the gut lining multiply more than they should. Most polyps are harmless at first, but some types can slowly turn into cancer over months or years. During polypectomy, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to find each polyp and then cut it away or destroy it using heat, a wire loop called a snare, or small forceps. The tissue is usually sent to a laboratory to check what kind of polyp it is.
Medical Condition
Polypectomy is performed whenever a polyp is found in the digestive tract that needs to be removed, either because it looks suspicious or because removing it prevents future problems. It is almost always done during the same session as a colonoscopy (an internal camera examination of the colon) or another type of endoscopy, so the patient does not need a separate operation.
- Adenomatous polyps (gland-like growths) found during a routine colonoscopy or bowel cancer screening
- Hyperplastic or serrated polyps (flat or saw-edged growths) that the doctor judges should not be left in place
- Polyps causing bleeding from the rectum or unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia (low red blood cells due to blood loss)
- Polyps found in patients with a family history of colorectal (bowel) cancer
- Polyps identified in people with hereditary conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP, a genetic condition that causes many polyps to grow throughout the colon)
- Polyps in the stomach or small intestine found during upper endoscopy or capsule endoscopy (a pill-sized camera the patient swallows)
Polypectomy is not suitable in every situation. Your gastroenterologist will review your condition carefully before deciding to proceed.
- Polyps that appear to have already grown deeply into the bowel wall, which usually require surgery instead
- Patients taking blood thinners who cannot safely stop them before the procedure
- Severe, uncontrolled bleeding disorders
- Very large polyps in technically difficult locations where endoscopic removal would carry too high a risk, making open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery a safer choice
Risks & Complications
Polypectomy carried out through an endoscope is generally a low-risk procedure, but complications can occur, especially with large or flat polyps.
- Bleeding at the site where the polyp was removed: the most common complication, which can happen during the procedure or up to two weeks later
- Perforation (a small tear in the bowel wall): rare but serious, and may require surgery to repair
- Post-polypectomy syndrome (abdominal pain and fever caused by irritation of the bowel wall from heat used to remove the polyp): usually settles with rest and antibiotics
- Incomplete removal, meaning part of the polyp is left behind and the procedure may need to be repeated
- Reactions to sedation or anaesthesia, such as low blood pressure or breathing difficulties
- Infection, which is uncommon when the bowel has been properly prepared beforehand
- Very rarely, missing a flat polyp that is difficult to see during the examination
Preparation & Procedure
Good bowel preparation is the single most important step before polypectomy, because a clean colon allows the doctor to see every part of the lining clearly. The hospital will give you a specific preparation plan, but the steps below reflect standard practice.
In the days before the procedure, you will usually follow a low-fibre or clear-liquid diet, stop eating solid food the night before, and drink only clear fluids until a few hours before your appointment. You will also take a laxative solution, usually the evening before and sometimes again in the morning, to empty the bowel completely. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours beforehand. Smoking is best avoided in the days leading up to the procedure because it can affect your response to sedation.
Blood thinners and certain diabetes medications are usually paused before the procedure; your care team will give specific guidance based on your prescriptions. Bring a full list of everything you take, including herbal supplements.
Tests that are commonly ordered in advance include a blood count (to check for anaemia), clotting tests (to assess whether blood will stop normally after cutting), and sometimes an electrocardiogram (EKG, a heart tracing) if sedation is planned for older patients or those with heart conditions.
On the day itself, the procedure typically follows these steps:
- You change into a hospital gown and a nurse checks your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels.
- An intravenous (IV) line is placed in your arm to deliver sedation or anaesthesia during the procedure.
- You lie on your left side on the examination table.
- The doctor gently inserts the endoscope through the rectum and advances it along the colon, using air or carbon dioxide to open up the space and a small camera to see the lining.
- When a polyp is found, the doctor uses the chosen technique, such as a wire snare, hot forceps, or injection followed by cutting, to remove it.
- Any removed tissue is collected and labelled for the laboratory.
- The endoscope is slowly withdrawn while the doctor checks the lining one more time for any bleeding.
- You are moved to a recovery area while the sedation wears off, which usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
Aftercare
Most patients are discharged home on the same day, but someone must accompany them because sedation affects concentration and driving ability for the rest of the day. Recovery after polypectomy is usually straightforward, though the extent of the procedure and the size of the polyps influence how quickly you feel back to normal.
- You will be observed in a recovery area until your sedation has worn off and your vital signs are stable.
- Some bloating, mild cramping, or a small amount of blood in the stool in the first day or two is common and usually settles on its own.
- A diet of soft or easily digestible foods is usually recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours; your team will advise when you can return to a normal diet.
- Blood thinners are typically restarted only after your doctor confirms that the removal site has had enough time to seal, which may be several days.
- Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are usually avoided for a few days to a week, depending on how many polyps were removed and their size.
- Any rectal bleeding that is heavy, bright red, or persists beyond a day or two, along with severe abdominal pain or fever, should prompt immediate contact with your hospital.
- The laboratory result for the removed polyp is usually available within one to two weeks and will guide how soon your next follow-up colonoscopy is needed. Some polyps require a repeat check in one year; others do not need a repeat for five to ten years.
- If you smoke, your gastroenterologist may recommend quitting, as smoking is linked to a higher rate of polyp recurrence.
Cost & What Determines It
The cost of polypectomy varies considerably depending on how many polyps are found, how complex each removal is, and the healthcare system in the country where you have the procedure. A straightforward removal of one small polyp during a routine colonoscopy is priced very differently from a lengthy session involving multiple large or flat polyps that require advanced techniques.
- Number, size, and type of polyps removed: each additional polyp or a technically demanding removal adds to the overall cost
- Technique used: simple forceps removal is generally less expensive than endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR, a technique that lifts the polyp before cutting) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, a more precise dissection used for large flat polyps)
- Hospital class and country: private hospitals and internationally accredited facilities typically charge more than government hospitals; costs also differ significantly between countries
- Anaesthesia or sedation fees: charged separately from the endoscopist's fee in many hospitals
- Laboratory fees for pathology (tissue analysis) of every polyp specimen sent
- Length of stay: day-case procedures cost less than those requiring an overnight admission, which is more common after large or complicated removals
- Additional tests ordered before or after the procedure, such as blood tests, EKG, or imaging
- Repeat procedures if the first removal was incomplete or if surveillance colonoscopy is recommended
Hospital packages for polypectomy, when offered, usually cover the endoscopist's fee, the use of the endoscopy suite, nursing care, and sedation. Items that are commonly billed separately include pathology fees for each polyp specimen, anaesthetist charges, any medications taken home, follow-up consultations, and imaging ordered after the procedure.
For Indonesian patients, BPJS Kesehatan and most Indonesian private health insurance policies do not cover treatment received abroad, so the full cost is typically paid out of pocket or through an international private health insurance plan that explicitly includes overseas treatment. Before travelling, ask the hospital for a written cost estimate that lists each item separately. This document lets you compare options clearly and avoids unexpected bills on arrival or at discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions does a polypectomy take?
A polypectomy is usually completed in a single session, done during the same colonoscopy used to find the polyps. If there are many polyps or some are very large, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to remove any that could not be safely taken out the first time.
What does a polypectomy feel like, and will it hurt?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure because it is done under sedation, meaning you are given medicine to make you drowsy or fully asleep. Afterwards, mild bloating or light cramping is common for a day or two as your bowel settles, but sharp or severe pain is not expected and should be reported to your doctor.
What should I avoid after a polypectomy, and when can I go back to normal activity?
Most people can return to light daily activity within a day, but your doctor will usually advise avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and blood-thinning medicines for up to two weeks to lower the risk of bleeding from the removal site. You may also be asked to follow a soft or low-fibre diet for a short period while the area heals. Your doctor will give you specific guidance based on the size and number of polyps removed.
How much does a polypectomy cost?
The cost depends on several factors, including the number and size of polyps removed, the complexity of the procedure, and the class of hospital you choose. Sedation fees and any laboratory testing of the removed tissue (called a biopsy) also affect the final bill. Requesting a written estimate from the hospital is the most reliable way to understand the full cost before you decide.
This page is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. Every case is different. Your doctor decides what is right for you.
