Total removal of all polyps is advised to prevent cancer development. The majority of polyps can be removed painlessly and quickly with a wire loop endoscopy, and small polyps can be destroyed just by touching them with an electrical current. Removing larger polyps, however, may require surgery.  In this case, a minimally invasive colon surgery may be an option. 

See a diagram of minimally invasive surgery and open surgery for colon polyps.

Watch an animation of what happens during minimally invasive surgery and open surgery for colon polyps.

For this procedure, a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and slowly guided into the colon. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon onto a video screen so the doctor can examine the lining.

Abnormal growths in the colon, like polyps, can be removed using a wire loop and other tiny tools passed through the scope. Removed polyps and tissue samples are sent to a lab for testing.

During surgery, the polyp is removed through an incision in the abdomen, along with a small length of normal colon on either side of the polyp. The two ends of the colon are then sewn back together.

Sometimes the surgeon cannot reconnect the colon. In this case, a new opening, or stoma, to the outside of the abdomen is created. The intestine is then connected to the stoma, where a bag is attached to collect body waste. This is called a colostomy. In most cases, a colostomy is only temporary. For most people, it is needed only until the colon or rectum heals from surgery. After healing takes place, the surgeon reconnects the colon and closes the stoma.

During traditional open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision up to 12 inches long from the upper to the lower abdomen to view the colon and remove the diseased portions. Because of the nature of this procedure, patients often face a healing process that results in a hospital stay of at least a week, with recovery time ranging from six to eight weeks.

You now have another surgery option, a minimally invasive colon surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery.

Find out more about minimally invasive colon surgery for colon polyps and whether or not minimally invasive colon surgery may be an option for you.

With both open surgery and minimally invasive colon surgery, you will need time to heal. You will be on intravenous fluids and pain medication, and you will not be able to eat for the first couple of days. You probably will feel tired and weak, and possibly have some constipation for some time. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress and work to get you back to normal as quickly as possible.

The cumulative risk of cancer developing in an unremoved polyp is 2.5% at five years, 8% at 10 years, and 24% at 20 years after diagnosis. The probability of any singular polyp becoming cancerous depends on its appearance, certain features of the cells and tissue of the polyp, and the size of the polyp. The relative risk of developing colon cancer after polyps have been removed is 2.3% compared to a relative risk of 8% for those who do not have the polyps removed.¹⁷