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Polypectomy

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Polypectomy in general surgery

Polypectomy in general surgery removes polyps from one of your organs.

Self-Pay , Benenden Health , PMI , NHS
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What are polyps?

Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that form on the inner lining of organs, such as the colon, stomach, uterus, or nasal passages. They often appear as soft, teardrop-shaped swellings that hang down, resembling small grapes.

While most polyps are harmless and painless, they may cause issues if they grow in size or cluster together. Although typically benign (non-cancerous), certain types of polyps can carry a risk of becoming cancerous over time.

What causes polyps?

The exact causes of polyps aren’t known, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development. These include genetics, inflammation, age, and certain lifestyle choices.

What are polyp symptoms?

Depending on the location of the polyp, you may not have any symptoms and most polyps are discovered during a procedure for another condition. However, larger polyps may cause the following symptoms.

Colon polyp symptoms include:

  • Changes in bowel habit
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
  • Abdominal pain or cramping

Stomach polyp symptoms include:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Blood in the stool

Uterus polyp symptoms include:

You can find out more about the symptoms of nasal polyps on the nasal polypectomy treatment page.

How are polyps diagnosed?

The diagnosis of polyps typically begins with your GP discussing your symptoms and medical history. Depending on the location of the suspected polyps, you may be referred for further diagnostic tests.

These tests can include:

  • Endoscopy: A procedure where a small camera, attached to a thin, flexible tube, is inserted to examine the affected area
  • CT Scan: An imaging test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of your body to help identify polyps

What are polyp treatments?

Treatment options for polyps depend on their size, location, type, and whether they carry any risk of becoming cancerous. Common treatments include:

  • Polypectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove polyps, often done during an endoscopy
  • Surgical removal: Larger or inaccessible polyps may require surgery
  • Medications: Hormonal treatments may be used for certain types of polyps, like uterine polyps, to manage symptoms or reduce their size
  • Monitoring: Small, non-cancerous polyps without symptoms may simply be monitored over time with regular check-ups

A nasal polypectomy is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) operation to remove nasal polyps from the nose or sinuses, usually under general anaesthetic.

What happens during a polypectomy?

Polypectomy surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the operation.

During the procedure, your surgeon will use an endoscope (a slender tube with a video camera at one end) to access the area. A specialised tool called a microdebrider (a tiny rotary vacuum shaver) is then used to remove the polyps.

What should I expect after a polypectomy?

In most cases you’ll be able to return home on the same day as the procedure. Before leaving the hospital, your healthcare team will go over follow-up appointments and provide guidance on any medications prescribed.

It’s important to rest and take it easy for the next couple of weeks following the surgery. If you’ve been prescribed medication, make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions and complete the course as advised.

Our Consultant Surgeons

Mr Abdul Aal

Yasser Abdul Aal

Consultant General and Emergency Surgeon

Mr Abdul Aal's specialties include gallbladder removal, hernia surgery, advanced upper and gastrointestinal procedures.

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

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Mr Adamek

Jacek Adamek

Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon

Mr Adamek's clinical interests include a range of investigative and surgical procedures for colorectal and general surgery.

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

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Mr Mansoor Akhtar, Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon at Benenden Hospital

Mansoor Akhtar

Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon

Mr Akhtar's specialities include hernia repair, colonoscopy, polypectomy and anal fistula surgery.

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

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Mr Hamade

Ayman Hamade

Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon

Mr Hamade's specialties include colorectal surgery, laparoscopic surgery and general surgery.

Language(s): English, French, Arabic

Location(s): Kent

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Mr Hamouda General Surgeon

Ahmed Hamouda

Consultant Surgeon

Mr Hamouda's specialties include gallstone disease, gallbladder removal and hernia repair.

Language(s): English, Arabic

Location(s): Kent

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Mr Hasan

Fazal Hasan

Consultant General Surgeon

Mr Hasan's specialties include advanced laparoscopic surgery, thyroid surgery and hepatobiliary surgery procedures.

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

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Mr Mangam

Sudhakar Mangam

Consultant General, Laparoscopic and Colorectal Surgeon

Mr Mangam works in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and coloproctology including bowel cancer, haemorrhoids, fissures, fistula and inflammatory bowel disease.

Language(s): English, Hindi, Urdu

Location(s): Kent

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Mr Abuchi Okaro

Abuchi Okaro

Consultant Surgeon

Mr Okaro's specialties include general surgery and upper GI surgery.

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

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Page last reviewed: 21 August 2025