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Safe, effective removal of bowel polyps during colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, performed personally by Dr Deepak Kejariwal, Consultant Gastroenterologist, usually within one to two weeks of your enquiry.
What is a polypectomy?
A polypectomy is the removal of a bowel polyp, usually carried out during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, and is one of the most effective ways to prevent bowel cancer from developing. Most polyps are benign, but some types can develop into bowel cancer over time if left untreated, which is why prompt and complete removal, followed by laboratory analysis, is an important part of bowel cancer screening and prevention.
Patients across Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland trust Dr Kejariwal for polypectomy given his 18+ years of consultant experience in endoscopy. In the vast majority of cases, polyps can be removed safely and completely during the same procedure in which they are found, avoiding the need for further surgery. NHS data indicates that bleeding after polyp removal occurs in roughly 1 in 50 procedures where this is performed, most of it minor and self-limiting (North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, 2026).
Why timely polyp removal matters
Bowel polyps often develop silently, without causing any symptoms, which is one of the key reasons why screening colonoscopy is so effective at reducing bowel cancer risk: it identifies and removes polyps before they have the chance to progress. The larger a polyp grows, and the longer it is left in place, the greater the chance it develops abnormal cells that could progress to cancer, so timely removal during your procedure gives the best possible protective benefit.
Preparation
As polypectomy is usually performed during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, preparation follows the same requirements as for those procedures, typically a bowel-cleansing solution or enema, along with dietary guidance in the days beforehand. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, it is particularly important to inform the team in advance, as this may need to be adjusted to allow safe polyp removal.
What happens on the day
01
Arrival & preparation
Check in at Cobalt Hospital day unit, where the team confirms your consent, reviews your bowel preparation and any blood-thinning medication, and discusses sedation options.
02
The procedure
During your colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, Dr Kejariwal identifies any polyps and removes them using specialised instruments passed through the endoscope, sending each for laboratory analysis.
03
Recovery
A period of rest in the recovery bay follows, with additional time if sedation has been used, and clear guidance on any activity restrictions following polyp removal.
04
Results, the same day
Dr Kejariwal explains what was found and removed before you leave, with a written report sent to you and your GP, and laboratory results typically available within one to two weeks.
Risks and safety
Polypectomy is a routine, well-established part of endoscopic practice with a strong safety record. The main risks are a small chance of bleeding, either immediately or in the days following the procedure, and a rare risk of perforation, occurring in roughly 1 in 1,000 procedures where polyp removal is carried out. Dr Kejariwal takes great care to remove polyps safely and completely, and will discuss any relevant risks with you, particularly if you take blood-thinning medication or have larger or more complex polyps.
Your results
You will be told on the day how many polyps were found and removed, and their approximate size and appearance. A written report is sent to you and your GP, and laboratory analysis, confirming the type of polyp and whether it has been completely removed, is typically available within one to two weeks, along with guidance on any recommended surveillance schedule.
Frequently asked questions about polypectomy
What happens during a polypectomy?
During a polypectomy, Dr Kejariwal removes bowel polyps using specialised instruments passed through the endoscope while performing a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, sending each polyp for laboratory analysis.
Are bowel polyps cancerous?
Most bowel polyps are benign, but certain types can develop into cancer over time if not removed, which is why removal and laboratory analysis are recommended when polyps are found.
Does polypectomy require a separate procedure?
In most cases, no, polyps can be removed during the same colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy in which they are discovered, avoiding the need for a further appointment.
Is polypectomy painful?
Polyp removal itself is not typically painful, as the bowel lining does not contain pain-sensing nerve endings in the same way as skin, though some patients experience mild bloating afterwards.
Will I need follow-up after a polypectomy?
Yes, follow-up surveillance is often recommended, with the interval depending on the number, size, and type of polyps found, which Dr Kejariwal will advise based on your individual results.
Usually seen within 1-2 weeks
Referral routes: GP, self-referral or insurer. Bupa recognised, fee assured.
Related treatments
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Bowel cancer screening
- Second opinion gastroenterology
Common questions
- What happens during a polypectomy?
- Are polyps cancerous?
- Does it need a separate procedure?
- Will I need follow-up?
About Dr Deepak Kejariwal
Consultant Gastroenterologist & General Physician, FRCP, with 18+ years of consultant experience. Serving Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland.