This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Gastroenterology - Endoscopy, Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Thanks to rapidly evolving endoscopic techniques, gastric polypectomy has become very popular. The procedure is minimally invasive, with a quick recovery and very little pain. Moreover, thanks to the proactive endoscopic gastric polyp removal, a number of precancerous cases were detected and cured in time.
1. What are stomach polyps?
Stomach polyps are a mass of cells that form on the inner lining of the stomach. This condition is very rare as it rarely causes any signs or symptoms. Gastric polyps are only discovered incidentally when doctors perform endoscopy for other conditions.
The reason stomach polyps form is in response to damage to the stomach lining. In which, the most common causes of gastric polyps are chronic gastritis, hereditary polycystic gastrointestinal disease, frequent use of some stomach drugs... In addition, there are Risk factors that increase the chance of developing stomach polyps such as middle age, stomach infections caused by bacteria...
Most stomach polyps do not become cancerous. However, there are certain types that may increase your risk of developing stomach cancer in the near future. Depending on the type of gastric polyp present as well as the size, number and symptoms of the patient, the doctor will decide whether to continue monitoring or remove the gastric polyp. Specifically, if polyps have little characteristics that can become cancerous, the patient does not need treatment. Conversely, if a dysplastic polyp is present, it must be removed as soon as possible before it transforms or invades nearby tissue.
2. What is gastric polypectomy?
Polypectomy is a procedure used to remove polyps from within the body without causing further injury. Input is at natural sites such as nose and mouth with simultaneous attachments during endoscopy.
For gastric polyp removal, the doctor detects these proliferative masses through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and if there is an indication for intervention, the gastric polyps will also be removed during the endoscopy. Then, the pathological results will guide the follow-up and follow-up treatment after gastric polypectomy.
3. The process of performing gastric polyp removal surgery
Gastric polypectomy is often performed at the same time as laparoscopy. Therefore, the patient has absolutely no special preparation for this intervention, but merely prepares for the endoscopy. Fasting from midnight before the endoscopy is mandatory for all cases of the program. After that, the patient will be changed into a gown, instructed to lie on the endoscope in an appropriate position and conduct local anesthesia.
To start endoscopy, a small, flexible tube with a light source and a camera on the end is lubricated and inserted from the mouth. The tube is inserted along the length of the upper gastrointestinal tract in harmony with the patient's swallowing movements. The images inside the mucosa will be recorded on the monitor; Through this, the doctor will know the location of the current tube, whether in the esophagus, stomach or small intestine.
Here, if gastric polyps are detected, the doctor will carefully investigate the relevant features, assess the risk of local malignancy as well as along with familial factors. In case there are many gastric polyps, large size and causing symptoms, the surgery to remove gastric polyps simultaneously through laparoscopic is indicated.
At this time, there are many different ways of removing polyps that can be performed, depending on the doctor's judgment according to the characteristics of gastric polyps and depending on the surgeon's habits and experience.
Accordingly, if the polyp is small, less than 5 mm in diameter, and has a stalk, the doctor will use biopsy forceps to remove it. In contrast, with larger polyps, such as up to 2 cm in diameter, the doctor will use an instrument to loop a thin wire around the base of the polyp and use heat to cut off the stem.
However, some types of polyps are both large and stemless, making gastric polypectomy more difficult. The doctor will conduct a mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection technique, both taking the whole polyp and taking a piece of the mucosa around the base of the polyp.
However, in cases where gastric polyps are too large and numerous, the risk of malignant transformation is obvious or based on previous endoscopic biopsy results, laparotomy to remove gastric polyps. or partial resection, the entire stomach will be considered.
4. Care after gastric polyp removal surgery like?
If laparoscopic gastric polypectomy is performed, the patient can go home the same day. However, because the anesthetic and sedative drugs may still work, the patient should be taken home by relatives, rest in the room, do not do heavy work or operate a vehicle or machine for at least 24 hours. next. In contrast, in cases of gastric polyp removal surgery through laparotomy, patients have to follow up for a few days after surgery, receive antibiotic treatment, and take care of the incision in the hospital.
However, in general, gastric polypectomy has a relatively quick recovery time. Minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, urinary retention, bloating, and cramps usually go away within 24 hours. Note that the pain after gastric polyp removal can last for several days and will be relieved with the usual pain relievers.
Diet after gastric polyp removal surgery does not need to be too special. However, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain beverages and foods that can irritate your digestive system for two to three days after the procedure, such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol or other foods. eat spicy, hot, sour.
5. What should be monitored after gastric polyp removal surgery?
After gastric polyp removal surgery, your doctor will plan your follow-up. It is important to check that the polypectomy was successful and that no further polyps have grown, and it depends on the histopathological examination whether it is benign, precancerous or cancerous.
If it is benign, the patient will not need further treatment. If it is precancerous, the patient should be scheduled for periodic endoscopy and a combination of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. If it is cancer, the doctor will determine what stage the cancer is in and plan long-term treatment that is appropriate for the patient's condition.
In addition, patients should also be instructed to monitor possible complications after polypectomy, which can include intestinal perforation or gastric bleeding with very different manifestations after each surgery. soi. Although the possibility of complications after polypectomy is relatively rare, patients should return to the hospital immediately if they have any of the following symptoms:
Fever or chills, these are signs of infection Severe bleeding Severe pain or bloating Profuse vomiting Blood vomiting Black, red stools Low blood pressure Irregular heartbeat In summary, gastric polypectomy is usually indicated during the endoscopic procedure. detected polyps. This helps with histopathology, assesses risk, and allows for early curative treatment if the result is malignancy. However, for the results of gastric polyp removal to be highly effective, it is necessary to choose a reliable medical facility, a team of highly qualified doctors combined with standard equipment and instruments.
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