Polyps are common. Studies have shown that about 25-40% of people over age 45 have a precancerous colon polyp during their exam. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. Dr. Havranek has many tools he can insert through the colonoscope’s working channels during your exam to safely remove them. For small polyps, he will use biopsy forceps, like small scissors, to trim them out. For larger polyps, he will use a snare (like a loop) that goes around the base of the polyp, and while cutting through it, an electric current is applied to cauterize the base and reduce bleeding. Since polyps grow in the colon’s superficial lining (mucosa), which has very few significant blood vessels, any bleeding is usually minimal and stops on its own within a minute or two. Polyps that are too large to be safely removed are biopsied and tattooed—meaning dye is injected into the lining of the colon at the site of the polyp for easy identification in the future. Once the biopsy results return, Dr. Havranek’s team will discuss the significance of the polyp and decide whether they can safely monitor it or have it removed surgically (laparoscopically). All removed polyps are sent to a gastroenterology-trained pathologist, who reviews them and provides a report on their type. That information, along with Dr. Havranek’s recommendations, is then sent to you through our patient web portal and faxed to your physician.