polypectomy
Meaning of polypectomy: A polypectomy removes a polyp, most often during an endoscopic procedure such as a colonoscopy, to treat or evaluate an abnormal growth.
Definition of polypectomy
Polypectomy is a procedure that removes a polyp, a growth that projects from the lining of a hollow organ such as the colon, stomach, uterus, or nasal passage. Many polypectomies are performed during an endoscopic examination, using instruments passed through the endoscope to snare, cut, or cauterize the polyp without a separate surgical incision.
The removed tissue is typically sent to a pathology laboratory for examination, since a polyp's appearance alone cannot reliably determine whether it is benign or contains cancerous cells. Removing a polyp can also be therapeutic on its own, particularly for colon polyps, which can slowly develop into cancer if left in place over time.
The technique used for a given polypectomy depends on the size, shape, and location of the polyp, ranging from a simple snare removal to more involved techniques for larger or flatter growths.
Used in a sentence
A colonoscopy was performed and polypectomy completed for two polyps identified in the sigmoid colon.
Good to know
A polypectomy removes tissue for both treatment and diagnosis, since pathologic examination of the specimen is what determines whether a polyp was benign, precancerous, or malignant.
Word origin
Where “polypectomy” comes from
Formed from polyp, from Greek polypous, meaning "many-footed," and -ectomy, from Greek ektome, meaning "a cutting out."