Colon polyps are small growths on the inner lining of your large intestine. These growths are mostly harmless at first but over time, some polyps can turn cancerous.
So, seeking treatment to remove polyps early can greatly cut the risks of cancer. Incidentally when it comes to cancer, you may have no symptoms at all which is why early detection is usually stressed upon.
Often, polyps show up only during routine screening. If found, your doctor may discuss removal methods if removing them is deemed necessary.
The two main options for colon polyps’ removal in Singapore are endoscopy and surgery. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks so; we created this guide to explain both.
On this page, you will learn how each method works and which one may suit you best. Let’s begin!
Endoscopic Colon Polyps Removal
Endoscopy is the most common way to remove colon polyps. Before the procedure, you will need to take a laxative drink to clear your colon.
This prep ensures your doctor gets a clear view during the test. For the testing process, you will lie on your side under mild sedation and a flexible tube with a camera—called a colonoscope—inserted into your rectum.
The camera transmits images to a screen where the doctor gets a real-time view of your GI system. If the doctor spots a polyp that should be removed, they might pass tiny tools through the scope to cut it away.
Most polyps are removed this way and then sent to a lab for testing. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and once the polyps are gone, your doctor inspects the colon again to check for any missed growths.
You will need to rest until the sedation wears off, then you can go home the same day. The biggest advantage with endoscopic polyps’ removal in Singapore is that it offers a fast, minimally invasive option. Real quick, here is a summary of the pros and cons of endoscopic polyps’ removal:
- Minimal invasiveness: Endoscopic removal uses a small, flexible tube rather than a large cut which means less discomfort and faster healing. Most people feel back to normal within a day or two. It also lowers the risk of wound infection which makes the whole process of colon polyps’ removal kinder on your body.
- Quick recovery: After the procedure, you wake up from sedation without large incisions. And the best part is that you can usually eat and drink on the same day. Most people are able to return to work within 48 hours. This speed makes endoscopy a convenient choice for busy lives.
- Immediate polyp removal and testing: Your GI doctor removes any polyps they find right away. The lab can then check if they contain abnormal cells and advice on the best next steps. Early lab results will guide your next steps, whether that means more visits or routine check-ups. What’s more, rapid removal and analysis boost peace of mind.
- Risk of perforation and bleeding: And as for the risks, though rare, cutting tissue inside your colon carries a small risk of creating a hole. This is called a perforation and may need surgery to fix. Likewise, bleeding can happen at the removal site. Your doctor will watch you after the procedure and give clear signs on when to seek help.
Surgical Removal of Colon Polyps
Surgery for colon polyps’ removal in Singapore is reserved for large, hard-to-reach, or suspicious growths. It usually involves keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery but you’d still receive general anaesthesia.
That means you’ll be put sleep and won’t feel anything during the operation. Once the sedative has taken effect, your surgeon will proceed to make small cuts in your belly and insert a camera plus tools.
Here, they will locate the affected bowel segment and remove it or cut out the polyp. In some cases, a short section of colon may be taken out.
After removal, they stitch or staple the healthy ends back together. Laparoscopic surgery takes about one to two hours and you may need to stay in hospital for one to three days for pain control and monitoring.
Full recovery may take two to four weeks, depending on your health. Though more involved than endoscopy, surgery can help with complex cases that scopes cannot. Here is a summary of the pros and cons of surgery for polyps’ removal;
- Ability to remove large or complex polyps: Surgery can reach polyps too big or positioned oddly for a scope. It also handles cases where polyps invade deeper layers of the colon wall, which makes it the safer option if endoscopy fails or risks are too high.
- Treatment of additional colon issues: During surgery, the surgeon can spot and fix other problems like diverticula or tumours. This means that you can get a full inspection of your abdominal cavity so your team can address multiple issues in one procedure. It reduces the need for further operations.
- Higher risk and longer recovery: Even keyhole surgery involve more anaesthesia and incisions. You may feel sore around the cuts and need stronger pain relief. Full bowel function can take days to return. Longer recovery means taking more time off work and daily activities.
- Greater chance of complications: Surgery carries higher risks of wound infection, bleeding, or hernia at incision sites. There’s also a small risk of anastomotic leak—where bowel ends don’t heal perfectly. Your medical team will monitor you closely in hospital to ensure this doesn’t happen and if it does happen, it gets addressed promptly.
In Summation
Now, when it comes to choosing the best method for your polyps’ removal in Singapore, you will want to consider factors like polyp size, location, and your health. If your polyps are under 2 cm and in easy-to-reach areas, endoscopic removal is usually best.
It’s faster, less painful, and you also recover quickly. Surgery is more suited for polyps over 2 cm, those with signs of deeper invasion, or if your colon shape makes scope access hard.
Your doctor will review your colonoscopy images or CT scans, discuss your medical history, any symptoms, and your personal preferences. If you worry about sedation or time off work, mention it.
Talk to your specialist about your specific polyp details to pick the option that balances safety, comfort, and your health needs.
If you need colon polyps’ removal in Singapore, our experienced gastroenterologists are happy to help. We offer advanced endoscopic and surgical options which can be tailored to your specific needs. Book your consultation below;
Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)
3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
