Removal of anal and rectal polyps at OpenMed Warsaw

Anal and rectal polyps are changes in the mucous membrane, which are most often benign, but some of them can become malignant over time. Therefore, their diagnostics and appropriate treatment are of great importance not only for reducing complaints but also for the prevention of colorectal cancer. If you notice rectal bleeding, a feeling of incomplete defecation or you have been diagnosed with a polyp requiring further diagnostics, we invite you to OpenMed in Warsaw (Wola). Our specialists provide proctological consultations and qualification for the removal of anal and rectal polyps.

Polyps can develop in different sections of the large intestine, including in the anal canal and rectum. From a medical point of view, they are protrusions of the mucous membrane that can have a pedunculated or flat form. Some changes are detected accidentally during colonoscopy or proctological examination, because they do not give clear symptoms for a long time. However, some types of polyps are associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, so after their detection their removal and histopathological assessment are usually recommended.

Symptoms and causes of anal and rectal polyps

The causes of polyp formation are not fully understood. Genetic predispositions, chronic intestinal inflammation, a low-fibre diet, chronic constipation and age play a role. The risk also increases in people with a family history of colorectal cancer or previous occurrence of polyps.

Symptoms can be non-specific and depend on the size and location of the lesion. Most often, bleeding during defecation, a trace of blood on toilet paper, discomfort in the anal area, itching or a feeling of incomplete defecation occur. Larger polyps can cause pain and sometimes prolapse outside the anal canal. Since similar symptoms also occur in haemorrhoids or anal fissure, thorough proctological diagnostics is necessary.

Mateusz Kaczmarski, MD

What does anal polyp diagnostics look like at OpenMed?

The consultation begins with a detailed medical history and a proctological examination. Our doctors assess the nature of the complaints, their duration and the presence of risk factors. Depending on the location of the lesion, anoscopy, rectoscopy or referral for colonoscopy may be performed.

Endoscopic examinations allow a precise assessment of the size, number and location of polyps. In many cases, removal of the lesion is possible during the endoscopic examination, without the need for classic surgical operation. The removed material is then sent for histopathological examination, which makes it possible to determine the nature of the lesion and further management.

What does polyp removal involve?

The treatment method depends on the size and location of the polyp. Most often, endoscopic polypectomy is performed, which consists of removing the lesion during colonoscopy or proctological examination using a special surgical snare. In the case of larger lesions, procedural treatment or qualification for more advanced surgical methods may be necessary.

The treatment process may include:

proctological consultation and endoscopic diagnostics,
qualification for polyp removal using endoscopic or surgical method,
histopathological examination of the removed lesion,
recommendations regarding follow-up and further prevention.

Our specialists thoroughly discuss the course of treatment, possible methods of removing the lesion and rules of conduct after the procedure. In most cases, the patient can return home on the same day.

Follow-up after polyp removal

After treatment, follow-up tests are very important. The timing of the next colonoscopy depends on the type of polyp and the result of the histopathological examination. Regular surveillance makes it possible to detect any new lesions early and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer development.