From Colonoscopy To Recovery: What Happens When A Rectal Polyp Is Found

Hearing that you have a rectal polyp after a colonoscopy can be unsettling. The term “polyp” often triggers worry about cancer, but most polyps are benign — and if removed early, they rarely cause serious problems. Understanding what rectal polyps are, why they form, and how modern treatments like transanal surgery can safely remove them will help you make informed decisions about your health.

Consult With A Specialist On Rectal Polyp Surgery

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What Is A Rectal Polyp?

A rectal polyp is a small growth on the inner lining of the rectum. Polyps may be flat, raised, or shaped like a small stalk. They form when the normal process of cell renewal in the intestinal wall becomes unbalanced, leading to localised overgrowth.

Most polyps are non-cancerous (benign), but some types — known as adenomatous polyps — carry a small risk of turning into colorectal cancer over time. That is why detecting and removing them early is essential for preventing cancer before it develops.

How Are Rectal Polyps Found?

Polyps often cause no symptoms, which means they are frequently discovered by chance during a routine colonoscopy or screening test.
However, in some cases, a rectal polyp may cause:

• Small amounts of rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
• Mucus discharge during bowel movements.
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or a feeling of incomplete emptying.

Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions — such as haemorrhoids — a thorough examination is important to confirm the diagnosis.

What Happens After A Polyp Is Detected

When a rectal polyp is found during colonoscopy, the next step depends on its size, type, and location.

• Small polyps are usually removed immediately using specialised tools during colonoscopy (a process called polypectomy).
• Larger or flatter polyps, particularly those located in the lower rectum, may require more advanced removal techniques to ensure all abnormal tissue is taken out safely.

In these cases, your doctor may recommend Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) — a sophisticated form of transanal surgery designed for precise removal of rectal lesions.

Understanding Transanal Surgery

Transanal surgery is a minimally invasive approach performed through the natural anal opening, without the need for abdominal cuts. Using a high-definition camera and specialised instruments, the surgeon carefully removes the polyp or early-stage tumour from within the rectum.

This method is particularly valuable for:

• Polyps too large or awkwardly positioned for standard endoscopic removal.
• Early-stage rectal cancers confined to the bowel wall.
• Benign growths such as villous adenomas that could recur if incompletely excised.

Benefits Of Transanal Surgery

Transanal surgery offers several advantages compared with traditional open or laparoscopic operations:

1. No External Incisions – The entire procedure is carried out through the anus, avoiding visible scars and reducing postoperative pain.
2. Faster Recovery – Most patients can return home within one or two days.
3. High Precision – Enhanced visualisation allows surgeons to remove tissue accurately while preserving surrounding structures.
4. Minimal Disruption To Bowel Function – The anal sphincter is protected, helping maintain normal continence.
5. Lower Complication Rate – Reduced risk of infection, bleeding, and hospital stay.

This makes transanal surgery an excellent option for suitable patients, balancing safety, comfort, and long-term outcomes.

After Surgery: Recovery And Follow-Up

Following the removal of a rectal polyp, most patients experience only mild discomfort for a few days. Your doctor may recommend:

• A short rest period followed by gradual return to normal activity.
• Pain relief and stool-softening medication to ease bowel movements.
• Follow-up colonoscopy after several months to ensure complete healing and check for any new growths.

It is also important to discuss lifestyle measures that can help reduce your risk of developing more polyps, including:

• Eating a high-fibre diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Reducing red and processed meat intake.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.

The Importance Of Early Detection

The good news is that most rectal polyps are easily treatable — especially when discovered early. Regular colorectal screening after age 50 (or earlier for those with family history) is the best way to identify these growths before they cause symptoms.

If a rectal polyp is detected, don’t panic. Modern techniques such as transanal surgery mean that even complex polyps can often be removed without major operations, leading to quicker recovery and better quality of life.

Our Preferred Doctor (Colorectal Surgeon) For Transanal Surgery

Dr Chong Choon Seng 张峻诚医生

Singapore, Singapore

Ark Surgical Practice

General Surgery, General Surgery (Colorectal), General Surgery (Hernia)

[SG] Featured Doctor- Dr Kevin Koo

Orthopaedic Surgeon In Singapore

When To See A Specialist

You should seek advice from a colorectal surgeon if you:

• Notice rectal bleeding or mucus in your stool.
• Experience unexplained changes in bowel habits.
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Have been told you have a rectal polyp that cannot be removed endoscopically.

A qualified specialist can evaluate your condition and, if suitable, offer transanal surgery as a safe, effective solution.

Get An Appointment To See A Specialist

Finding a rectal polyp may sound worrying, but in most cases it is a manageable condition with excellent outcomes when treated promptly.
Thanks to transanal surgery, patients today benefit from precise, minimally invasive treatment that removes abnormal tissue while preserving normal bowel function.

So if you’ve been diagnosed with a rectal polyp, take heart that early treatment, guided by an experienced colorectal surgeon, can help you return to full health quickly and confidently.

This medical content has been reviewed by Dr Chong Choon Seng a highly experienced colorectal surgeon in Singapore known for his expertise in minimally invasive and robotic techniques for colorectal cancer, polyps, and complex anorectal conditions.

Preferred Doctors: Dr Chong Choon Seng (General Surgeon – Colorectal)

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