Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic removal of colonic polyps

The condition

Colonic polyps are small growths that form on the inside lining of the colon (large bowel). Most colonic polyps do not cause symptoms but they may cause bleeding from the rectum (back passage), mucus in stools or pain in the abdomen (belly). Sometimes they can cause diarrhoea or constipation, but this is rare. If left untreated, there is a small risk that a polyp may develop into a bowel cancer after several years.

Colonic polyps are usually removed by a procedure called polypectomy, using an endoscope. An endoscope is a long flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end of it, which is moved into the colon through the anus. A noose is inserted through the endoscope and put around the base of the polyp. The polyp is burnt away from the surrounding tissue using an electric current. Some polyps cannot be removed using an endoscope alone because they are large or in a place that is difficult to get to. They may need to be removed by surgery.

NICE has looked at using combined endoscopic and laparoscopic removal of colonic polyps as another treatment option.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.