Medical Terminology for GI Polyp Removal
The medical term for removal of a polyp from the gastrointestinal tract is "polypectomy." 1
Definition and Scope
Polypectomy refers to the endoscopic or surgical removal of polyps anywhere in the GI tract, including the stomach, duodenum, small bowel, colon, and rectum. 1, 2, 3
Specific Terminology by Technique
The term "polypectomy" encompasses several specific techniques depending on polyp characteristics:
Basic Polypectomy Methods
- Cold snare polypectomy (CSP): Removal without electrocautery, recommended for polyps <10 mm 1
- Hot snare polypectomy (HSP): Removal using electrocautery, used for pedunculated lesions >10 mm 1
- Cold forceps polypectomy (CFP): Alternative for 1-3 mm polyps where cold snare is technically difficult 1
Advanced Resection Techniques
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): Used for intermediate-size polyps (10-19 mm) and involves submucosal injection to lift the lesion before removal 1, 4
- Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (u-EMR): Alternative technique for sessile polyps 10-19 mm 1
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): Advanced technique for large laterally spreading tumors, requiring specialized training 1, 4, 5
Surgical Terminology
- Intraoperative enteroscopy with polypectomy: Combined surgical and endoscopic approach for small bowel polyps, particularly in polyposis syndromes 1
- Colectomy: Surgical removal of colon segment when polyp burden becomes unmanageable endoscopically 6
Clinical Context
The choice of terminology depends on the specific approach used. When documenting or discussing cases, specify the exact technique (e.g., "cold snare polypectomy" rather than just "polypectomy") to communicate the precise method employed. 1
For malignant polyps with unfavorable features, the procedure may be termed "endoscopic resection" followed by "surgical resection" if additional treatment is needed. 2, 3