Usually, a colonoscopy is done. Also depends on the skill of the physician. Larger polyps sometimes have to be removed by open surgery.

It depends on the location and size of the polyps. If you had a colonoscopy and the gastroenterologist was unable to remove them, then surgery is likely.

A polypectomy usually can be completed as an outpatient procedure during a colonoscopy. It also depends on the location, pathology and size of the polyp whether or not it can be completely removed without surgery. Your doctor will let you if they were successful after the colonoscopy or whether further intervention may be warranted.

Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS