“Is a polypectomy painful?”

A polypectomy is not usually painful. There may be some bleeding after removal of the polyp but not usually pain. However, if you do develop significant pain usually within 24-48hrs after polypectomy it is important to reach out to your doctor or go to the ER as this may be a sign of something more serious.

No, you will be sedated for the polypectomy procedure so you will feel no pain and there is only mild gassy discomfort afterwards that will require no pain medications.

Hello! Thank you for your question. I am assuming that you are referring to the removal of a polyp in the colon or rectum since you have directed your question to a colorectal surgeon. Most colon and rectal polyps are removed during a colonoscopy procedure, where a long, tube-like device with a light and a camera on the end is advanced from the anus to the first part of the colon, called the cecum while the patient is sedated. The scope has a working channel through which specialized instruments can be passed to perform biopsies and to remove polyps as the scope is withdrawn. None of these procedures are felt by the sedated patient during or after the procedure. If a particularly large polyp is found in the rectum, other approaches may be used at a later date in the operating room after a proper work-up has been done to ensure the polyp is not an advanced cancer. These various methods access the rectum through the anus while the patient is usually under general anesthesia. Fortunately, these approaches are also not painful during the procedure, but may produce some mild discomfort after the procedure depending on the size of the polyp and where in the rectum it is located. If you are planning to have a transanal polypectomy in the operating room, it is best you discuss the details with your surgeon ahead of time because he or she will best know the likely outcome in terms of postoperative discomfort. I hope this helps, and I wish you well on your upcoming procedure. Remember, nothing in this answer is meant to replace the advice of your physician nor should be considered medical advice. It is always best to talk with your doctor to get answers specific to your condition.

I have left Optum/CareMount. For any clinical concerns my partners Adam Semegran, MD, FACS, and Carl Calica, MD, FACS, are covering me. Nurse Laura Mendes, LPN, is also temporarily available to assist.

No, a polypectomy is not painful.

You are normally asleep with conscious sedation when this is performed.

No. Generally, a removing a polyp during a colonoscopy (or upper endoscopy) does not cause pain. Rarely, use of cautery in removing a polyp might cause abdominal pain.