laproscopy or colonoscopy surgery

[camby321]

can a large non-cnacerous polyp in the right lower large intestine be removed without abdominal surgery? if so, is there a surgeon or gastro specialist that can do it in this area? thank you

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Normally polyps that can be removed when seen during a colonoscopy are removed during that colonoscopy.  By the wording of the question, I would assume that the polyp wasn't removed.  Thus, the next option to remove the polyp would be abdominal surgery.  The decision on whether to move forward on this would depend on how suspicious the polyp is for cancer and the size of the polyp.

You didn't mention what area you lived in.  I would consider a referral to any major academic medical center who can evaluate your case.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

You didn't state what area you are in. As to whether it can be removed or not depends on whether it has a "stalk" like a mushroom, or whether it's flat and broad where it connects to the surface of the colon. If it's already know it's non-cancerous, then I'd assume there was a biopsy, and therefore that it's been seen through a colonoscope. In that case, the doctor who did the colonoscopy is the best person to say whether it's removable that way or not; and since it wasn't removed, it would seem that it can't be. Beyond a certain size it gets less and less easy. And depending on the exact pathology report, even when cancer isn't seen, there are situations where it's best to remove the whole tumor with surgery.