Colon Polyp Removal in Seomyeon, Busan
Colon polyp removal (polypectomy) is the removal of growths from the bowel lining during colonoscopy, usually with a small wire snare or forceps. In Seomyeon, clinics typically remove small and medium polyps during the same sedated exam, adding only minutes. The tissue is sent for analysis, with results in about a week. Most people return to normal activity within a day or two.
Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:
What is colon polyp removal?
Polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Most are harmless, but adenomas and sessile serrated lesions can slowly become cancer over many years. Removing them during colonoscopy interrupts that process, which is why screening colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer risk. The procedure, called polypectomy, uses instruments passed through the colonoscope.
Who is it for?
- Anyone found to have polyps during screening or diagnostic colonoscopy
- People with a positive stool test or symptoms leading to colonoscopy
- Patients under surveillance for previous adenomas
Very large, flat or complex polyps may require endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or surgery at a hospital, and the clinic should refer you appropriately.
What happens at the clinic
- Medicine review: before colonoscopy, the doctor checks blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel or anticoagulants, which may need adjustment with your prescribing doctor.
- Detection: during the exam, the doctor assesses each polyp's size, shape and surface.
- Removal: small polyps are taken with a cold snare or forceps; larger ones may be lifted with an injection of fluid and removed (EMR). Clips may be placed to close the site.
- Retrieval: the tissue is collected and sent to a pathology lab.
- Explanation: after you wake, the doctor tells you how many polyps were removed, their sizes and the next steps.
Recovery and aftercare
Most people feel normal after the sedation wears off. For a few days, doctors commonly advise avoiding alcohol, strenuous exercise, saunas and heavy lifting, and eating soft, easily digested food. Long-haul flights may be discouraged for several days after larger removals. A small streak of blood in the first stool can occur. Your doctor will tell you when to restart blood thinners.
Risks and side effects
The main risks are bleeding, which can occur immediately or up to about two weeks later, and, rarely, perforation or post-polypectomy syndrome, which causes pain and fever. Risk rises with polyp size and blood thinner use. Seek urgent care for heavy rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain or fever.
Choosing a clinic for polyp removal in Seomyeon
- Ask what size and type of polyps the clinic removes on site, and when it refers to a hospital.
- Check that removal is done in the same session to avoid a second bowel prep.
- Ask whether clips are used for larger removals or patients on blood thinners.
- Confirm how pathology results and the recommended follow-up interval will be explained.
- Request a written report with polyp sizes, locations and pathology for future doctors.
For visitors
If you are travelling, allow a few days in Busan after polypectomy before flying, and keep the clinic's contact details. Seomyeon's central position on Lines 1 and 2 makes a return visit straightforward if needed.
Key facts
- Purpose: prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps
- Techniques: cold snare, forceps, hot snare, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Timing: usually during the same colonoscopy
- Pain: the bowel lining has no pain sensation; done under sedation
- Pathology results: typically about 5–7 days
- Activity: light activity next day; avoid heavy exercise and alcohol for several days
- Follow-up colonoscopy: commonly 3–10 years, depending on findings
Frequently asked questions
Does polyp removal hurt?
No. The inside lining of the colon does not sense pain from cutting, and polypectomy is done during a sedated colonoscopy. You may feel mild cramping or bloating afterwards.
Are colon polyps cancer?
Most are not cancer. Some types, such as adenomas, can become cancer over many years, which is why they are removed. Pathology results confirm the type and whether any cancerous change was present.
What should I eat after polyp removal?
Start with soft, easily digested foods such as rice porridge for the first day or two, and avoid alcohol and very spicy or rough foods for several days. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.
When will I need another colonoscopy?
It depends on the number, size and type of polyps. After one or two small low-risk adenomas, intervals of 7 to 10 years are common; larger or more numerous polyps usually mean a 3-year interval or sooner.
Can I take aspirin before polyp removal?
Do not stop or change blood thinners on your own. Low-dose aspirin is often continued, but other blood thinners may need to be paused. Your endoscopist and prescribing doctor will decide together.
Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.