Polyps found in the digestive tract may have a potential risk of cancer or future progression to cancer. Large polyps detected in the colon (larger than 1 centimeter) carry a higher risk of harboring cancer than smaller polyps which may be benign (non-cancerous).

During endoscopy, polyps identified are removed by a procedure called a polypectomy. A polypectomy leaves no scars on the skin as it is removed within the digestive tract. It involves putting a loop of wire around the polyp base and cutting it. Small polyps may be removed bybiopsy forceps, which snips off small pieces of tissue. Other polyps may be ablated with electrical energy that generates heat. All of these procedures are painless and you may not be aware that they are being performed.
Our doctors also perform endoscopic mucosal resection which is an advanced polypectomy technique used to remove large, flat polyps detected at colonoscopy. This technique avoids the need for surgery even though they may be relatively large.