Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Polypectomy?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, usually does a polypectomy of the colon. A surgeon may be needed for a very large polyp. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A polypectomy is the removal of a polyp. Bowel polyps are small growths on the lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Polyps also grow in other organs, such as the uterus, stomach, and nose. The colon is the most common place where precancerous polyps are treated. The rest of this article mainly covers polyp removal in the colon.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Polyps do not usually cause symptoms. They are often found during a colonoscopy. Most polyps are harmless, but a small number can become cancer over many years. Doctors remove polyps and send them for testing to check for cancer. Bowel cancer screening can help find polyps that are more likely to turn into bowel cancer.
How to prepare
- If you are having a colonoscopy, you must drink a solution to clean your bowels before the procedure.
- Follow your provider's preparation instructions exactly.
- Your provider will tell you if you need to fast, which means not eating or drinking, before a biopsy.
What happens during it
During a colonoscopy, a long, thin flexible tube with a small camera at the end, called a colonoscope, is passed into your bottom. The doctor guides it up into your bowel to look for polyps. A wire loop that is part of the colonoscope will cut off (snare) or burn off (cauterise) the polyp. This removal is called a polypectomy and is painless. Doctors can remove almost all polyps without surgery. Rarely, when there are lots of polyps or a polyp is very large, surgery may be needed to remove part of the bowel.
Recovery
After removal, the polyp is sent to a lab to check several things.
- The lab checks if the polyp has been completely removed.
- The lab checks if there is any risk of it regrowing.
- The lab checks for cancerous changes in the polyp.
If there are cancerous changes in the polyp, you may need further treatment. Your doctor will ask you to get tested regularly in the future. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever or bloody bowel movements that do not get better after a polyp is removed. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop. A lot of blood, such as toilet water turning red or large blood clots, is also an emergency.
Risks and side effects
Risks of removing a polyp include the following.
- Bleeding is one risk.
- A hole, called a perforation, can form in the organ from which the polyp was removed.
- Infection is also a risk.
Who performs it
Doctors usually remove colon polyps with special tools during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. Both tests look at the large bowel.
Common questions
Does a polypectomy hurt?
No, removing a polyp during a colonoscopy is painless. A colonoscopy should not be painful, but can feel uncomfortable.
Will I get more polyps after a polypectomy?
You have a higher chance of developing more polyps after you have had them. This is why your doctor will ask you to get tested regularly in the future.
Is every polyp cancer?
No, polyps are usually harmless. A small number can become cancerous over many years.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- NHS - Bowel polyps
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Colon Polyps
- MedlinePlus - Polyp biopsy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
