OT Having Large Polyp Removed from Colon (Cecum) Removed in Early March -- Any Suggestions

[dailybuck777]

I have a large, (3.5 centimeters) tubular polyp in my Cecum that based on the first biopsy is neither cancerous nor precancerous. I have a choice of 1: having 4 inches of my Cecum removed (Surgeon says I get out of hospital in 1-2 days), but 6-week recovery period. (Almost certainly being extremely conservative to deal with people in poor shape, which I am not -- I would expect more like 3 weeks of recovery)

2: Having interventional endoscopy, where they would take a metal cutting loop and cut it out. They would need at least 2 attempts to take it out because the loop can only cut out 2.5 centimeters at one time. Also, the Cecum is comparatively thin and there is a danger of a perforation. Furthermore, my polyp sits on a fold making it comparatively difficult to cut it out. Additionally, the endoscopy risks leaving some cancer there or making it more difficult to biopsy the polyp. (If the polyp crumbles while being cut out) The big advantage of the endoscopy is that it is not surgery and there is almost immediate recovery. The downside is that I may have to be scoped 3-5 times between getting the polyp out and monitoring the result after the procedure to make sure there is no (to this point none seen) cancer or precancerous material left after the loop cut.

I have talked to the surgeon but not the interventional radiologist, who I will be seeing next week. Have seen a Youtube video of the interventional radiology and it didn't look bad. I am in very good health and very good shape (exercise 7 days a week). I am leaning towards taking the 4 inches out, (just to get everything over with and to minimize the chance of leaving something dangerous in my cecum with the looping procedure) but I am curious what any medical professionals here or people who have undergone the procedure think might think.

 

[Obliviax]

I have a large, (3.5 centimeters) tubular polyp in my Cecum that based on the first biopsy is neither cancerous nor precancerous. I have a choice of 1: having 4 inches of my Cecum removed (Surgeon says I get out of hospital in 1-2 days), but 6-week recovery period. (Almost certainly being extremely conservative to deal with people in poor shape, which I am not -- I would expect more like 3 weeks of recovery)

2: Having interventional endoscopy, where they would take a metal cutting loop and cut it out. They would need at least 2 attempts to take it out because the loop can only cut out 2.5 centimeters at one time. Also, the Cecum is comparatively thin and there is a danger of a perforation. Furthermore, my polyp sits on a fold making it comparatively difficult to cut it out. Additionally, the endoscopy risks leaving some cancer there or making it more difficult to biopsy the polyp. (If the polyp crumbles while being cut out) The big advantage of the endoscopy is that it is not surgery and there is almost immediate recovery. The downside is that I may have to be scoped 3-5 times between getting the polyp out and monitoring the result after the procedure to make sure there is no (to this point none seen) cancer or precancerous material left after the loop cut.

I have talked to the surgeon but not the interventional radiologist, who I will be seeing next week. Have seen a Youtube video of the interventional radiology and it didn't look bad. I am in very good health and very good shape (exercise 7 days a week). I am leaning towards taking the 4 inches out, (just to get everything over with and to minimize the chance of leaving something dangerous in my cecum with the looping procedure) but I am curious what any medical professionals here or people who have undergone the procedure think might think.

No advice but best of luck with that. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun either way....but most surgeries are far less problematic than people think.

 

[dailybuck777]

Your consulting w Surgeons and Specialists, who know your situation in great detail....... and you are coming to an anonymous message board to ask complete strangers for advice?

I am just asking for people's opinions. I would search further. I know there are doctors and other medical professionals here. It is not like I would rely 100% on their information. I would hope to get ideas that I would do further research on and also potentially ideas about what to ask the interventional radiologist next week.

 

[dailybuck777]

No advice but best of luck with that. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun either way....but most surgeries are far less problematic than people think.

Thanks a lot.

 

[srg1]

I am just asking for people's opinions. I would search further. I know there are doctors and other medical professionals here. It is not like I would rely 100% on their information. I would hope get ideas that I would do further research on and also potentially ideas about what to ask the interventional radiologist next week.

I appreciate that this Board is a community where such situations are shared. Best of luck.

 

[dailybuck777]

I appreciate that this Board is a community where such situations are shared. Best of luck.

Thanks very much.

 

[eidolon21]

my thoughts and prayers are with you. I believe in the power of prayer. I expect to see your posts here often for many years to come.

 

[TheGLOV]

Thanks very much.

dailybuck777, what were/are you symptoms that led you to where you are out now?

I ask simply because I may be heading down the same road as you sir.

Do hope you respond.

I have to have a colon ostomy soon.

Have had a history of non-cancerous polyps.

Every thing I eat down just hangs so heavy in my intestine causing discomfort and pain until relieved; but never fully feeling good.

 

[fairgambit]

dailybuck777, what were/are you symptoms that led you to where you are out now?

I ask simply because I may be heading down the same road as you sir.

Do hope you respond.

I have to have a colon ostomy soon.

Have had a history of non-cancerous polyps.

Every thing I eat down just hangs so heavy in my intestine causing discomfort and pain until relieved; but never fully feeling good.

I'm very sorry to hear that GLOV. My prayers are with both of you.

 

[dailybuck777]

dailybuck777, what were/are you symptoms that led you to where you are out now?

I ask simply because I may be heading down the same road as you sir.

Do hope you respond.

I have to have a colon ostomy soon.

Have had a history of non-cancerous polyps.

Every thing I eat down just hangs so heavy in my intestine causing discomfort and pain until relieved; but never fully feeling good.

I had zero symptoms and in fact feel great. However, I went 8-10 years without a colonoscopy. I am generally low risk -- no family history, exercise and don't drink or smoke. That is probably why my polyp is looking pretty good (tubular is a good sign) even though it is quite big.

For other readers here, I would mention that about 20-30% of the people over 50 have polyps, and that it really makes sense to have colonoscopies every 5 years. (Numbers get higher as you get older) My family doc probably saved my life by sending out a routine message about a colonoscopy, which I had ignored for several years. (If this polyp was untreated, it would have almost certainly developed into a cancer)

TG, I would strongly suggest going to youtube and looking for doctors doing or discussing procedures similar to yours. I saw an interventional radiologist at work on ytube and it helped me a lot. I wish you the very best on your upcoming procedure.

 

[TheGLOV]

I had zero symptoms and in fact feel great. However, I went 8-10 years without a colonoscopy. I am generally low risk -- no family history, exercise and don't drink or smoke. That is probably why my polyp is looking pretty good (tubular is a good sign) even though it is quite big.

For other readers here, I would mention that about 20-30% of the people over 50 have polyps, and that it really makes sense to have colonoscopies every 5 years. (Numbers get higher as you get older) My family doc probably saved my life by sending out a routine message about a colonoscopy, which I had ignored for several years. (If this polyp was untreated, it would have almost certainly developed into a cancer)

TG, I would strongly suggest going to youtube and looking for doctors doing or discussing procedures similar to yours. I saw an interventional radiologist at work on ytube and it helped me a lot. I wish you the very best on your upcoming procedure.

Thanks for responding sir.

All the best to you.

Prayers for sure buddy!!

 

[dailybuck777]

my thoughts and prayers are with you. I believe in the power of prayer. I expect to see your posts here often for many years to come.

Thanks very much for your concern and prayers. However, everything so far is pretty good. Docs are very optimistic there is no cancer (biopsy was not even pre-cancerous), and I believe my basic risk is simply the risk that anyone has when they have an operation and anesthesia -- something can go wrong in any operation. In all honesty, I am very happy that they found the large polyp and that things are generally looking good. Simply looking to further minimize the risk at this stage.

 

[olelion]

My experience. I was operated on for stage III colon cancer near the juncture with the small intestine. I had 2+ ft of colon removed arthro scopically followed by chemo. The impact of the operation on the function of my bowels is not detectable.

 

[chrisrn1965]

I have a large, (3.5 centimeters) tubular polyp in my Cecum that based on the first biopsy is neither cancerous nor precancerous. I have a choice of 1: having 4 inches of my Cecum removed (Surgeon says I get out of hospital in 1-2 days), but 6-week recovery period. (Almost certainly being extremely conservative to deal with people in poor shape, which I am not -- I would expect more like 3 weeks of recovery)

2: Having interventional endoscopy, where they would take a metal cutting loop and cut it out. They would need at least 2 attempts to take it out because the loop can only cut out 2.5 centimeters at one time. Also, the Cecum is comparatively thin and there is a danger of a perforation. Furthermore, my polyp sits on a fold making it comparatively difficult to cut it out. Additionally, the endoscopy risks leaving some cancer there or making it more difficult to biopsy the polyp. (If the polyp crumbles while being cut out) The big advantage of the endoscopy is that it is not surgery and there is almost immediate recovery. The downside is that I may have to be scoped 3-5 times between getting the polyp out and monitoring the result after the procedure to make sure there is no (to this point none seen) cancer or precancerous material left after the loop cut.

I have talked to the surgeon but not the interventional radiologist, who I will be seeing next week. Have seen a Youtube video of the interventional radiology and it didn't look bad. I am in very good health and very good shape (exercise 7 days a week). I am leaning towards taking the 4 inches out, (just to get everything over with and to minimize the chance of leaving something dangerous in my cecum with the looping procedure) but I am curious what any medical professionals here or people who have undergone the procedure think might think.

Hard to give specific advice without hearing the consult reports from both specialists. Best of luck and wishing you a speedy recovery.

 

[dailybuck777]

My expeerience. I was operated on for stage III colon cancer near the juncture with the small intestine. I had 2+ ft of colon removed arthro scopically followed by chemo. The impact of the operation on the function of my bowels is not detectable.

Really wonderful to hear. You must have had a really good surgeon. My question would be: How long was your recovery period?

 

[RU31trap]

dailybuck777, what were/are you symptoms that led you to where you are out now?

I ask simply because I may be heading down the same road as you sir.

Do hope you respond.

I have to have a colon ostomy soon.

Have had a history of non-cancerous polyps.

Every thing I eat down just hangs so heavy in my intestine causing discomfort and pain until relieved; but never fully feeling good.

Glov and 777 I wish you both the best of luck. Lately my doctor is really leaning on me about getting a colonoscopy.

 

[dailybuck777]

Glov and 777 I wish you both the best of luck. Lately my doctor is really leaning on me about getting a colonoscopy.

Do it. The colonoscopy is not that bad. Real issue is crapping the day before, which wasn't that bad about 1 month ago. The actual procedure is nothing. If I had done this 2 or 3 years ago, I would be in a better spot, and it would be much easier to get rid of the polyp.

 

[Art]

I have ge, (3.5 centimeters) tubular polyp in my Cecum that based on the first biopsy is neither cancerous nor precancerous. I have a choice of 1: having 4 inches of my Cecum removed (Surgeon says I get out of hospital in 1-2 days), but 6-week recovery period. (Almost certainly being extremely conservative to deal with people in poor shape, which I am not -- I would expect more like 3 weeks of recovery)

2: Having interventional endoscopy, where they would take a metal cutting loop and cut it out. They would need at least 2 attempts to take it out because the loop can only cut out 2.5 centimeters at one time. Also, the Cecum is comparatively thin and there is a danger of a perforation. Furthermore, my polyp sits on a fold making it comparatively difficult to cut it out. Additionally, the endoscopy risks leaving some cancer there or making it more difficult to biopsy the polyp. (If the polyp crumbles while being cut out) The big advantage of the endoscopy is that it is not surgery and there is almost immediate recovery. The downside is that I may have to be scoped 3-5 times between getting the polyp out and monitoring the result after the procedure to make sure there is no (to this point none seen) cancer or precancerous material left after the loop cut.

I have talked to the surgeon but not the interventional radiologist, who I will be seeing next week. Have seen a Youtube video of the interventional radiology and it didn't look bad. I am in very good health and very good shape (exercise 7 days a week). I am leaning towards taking the 4 inches out, (just to get everything over with and to minimize the chance of leaving something dangerous in my cecum with the looping procedure) but I am curious what any medical professionals here or people who have undergone the procedure think might think.

Not a medical professional by any means, but in your position I'd probably go with the option you are leaning towards for the very same reasons you gave.

Whatever you choose, please accept my sincerest wishes that the procedure go smoothly, that they find nothing, and that you have a complete and speedy recovery.

 

[LurkerLazarus]

Hey Buck, if I were in your position, I'd get the piece of colon taken out. That's a big polyp, and even if you snare it, they are still going to have to do surveillance on it. Plus, you'll always be thinking about it. Since you are in good health, it's not a bad operation.

The problem is, you need to make sure you have a good surgeon. It is NOT easy to figure out who a good surgeon is, if you are a layman. In Pittsburgh, they have a Best Doctors magazine that comes out every year. We all have a good laugh over it. I can tell you, at least half the surgeons in that magazine are not fit to operate on my dog. But the health systems have their PR machines make sure that certain docs get in there. Sometimes they are good docs, and a lot of the time they are just good corporate shills. Sometimes they are neither, and they still end up in there. Some of the choices are the funniest things we've ever seen. But like in every other field, a lot of reputations are total bullshit. You gotta be careful and not pay attention to ads and websites.

Hopefully your PCP and your GI doc can point you in the right direction, and you can trust them. If so, that operation is a breeze, and a healthy guy like you will sail through it. Just talk to these guys and ask lots of questions and get a good surgeon.

 

[bytir]

Really wonderful to hear. You must have had a really good surgeon. My question would be: How long was your recovery period?

My experience was similar to olelion - stage IIa, but surgeon removed softball sized tumor along with the upper portion of my large intestine. Tumor had a rare genetic marker - so no accompanying chemo. Fortunately i tested negative for the genetic issue (Lynch Syndrome). June will be my 2 year surgery anniversary. I had a wonderful surgeon who was dead on with his recovery time-frame and what to expect. I had additional post surgery issues (blood clots) that caused complications, but did not necessarily slow my surgery recovery. 6 weeks sounds about right - that was how long i was on disability, and was limited in lifting, working out, etc. during that time frame. Was told it would be slow and gradual build back of strength over 6 months, and that a year later i would feel about 85%.

As far as the colon goes, no major difficulties and you learn to adjust. The first two weeks with coughing and god forbid a sneeze will make you tear up. Keep a pillow near by to clench to your stomach. The first couple of months when your intestines are settling into place is interesting to say the least, but it isn't necessarily painful and doesn't last long. The first two weeks with coughing and god forbid a sneeze will make you tear up. I joke with my kids that i am like an old re-built street rod. Engine and Exhaust are noisier at times, and exhaust smokes on occasion but as long as it still gets down the road all is good.

In all seriousness - the potential cancer issue is where you want to start your decision making from. I don't know where you are located - but no matter how good your doctors seem if you are in a more rural area - go for a second opinion and a third if it makes you more comfortable. Any of the university related research hospitals in larger cities will have doctors with more experience in similar cases to yours. Do your research and ask many questions, especially about the historical percentages of any procedures / treatments you are considering.

Sorry for the length - hopefully something here has helped. God bless and good luck with your journey!

 

[Waltwam]

I have a large, (3.5 centimeters) tubular polyp in my Cecum that based on the first biopsy is neither cancerous nor precancerous. I have a choice of 1: having 4 inches of my Cecum removed (Surgeon says I get out of hospital in 1-2 days), but 6-week recovery period. (Almost certainly being extremely conservative to deal with people in poor shape, which I am not -- I would expect more like 3 weeks of recovery)

2: Having interventional endoscopy, where they would take a metal cutting loop and cut it out. They would need at least 2 attempts to take it out because the loop can only cut out 2.5 centimeters at one time. Also, the Cecum is comparatively thin and there is a danger of a perforation. Furthermore, my polyp sits on a fold making it comparatively difficult to cut it out. Additionally, the endoscopy risks leaving some cancer there or making it more difficult to biopsy the polyp. (If the polyp crumbles while being cut out) The big advantage of the endoscopy is that it is not surgery and there is almost immediate recovery. The downside is that I may have to be scoped 3-5 times between getting the polyp out and monitoring the result after the procedure to make sure there is no (to this point none seen) cancer or precancerous material left after the loop cut.

I have talked to the surgeon but not the interventional radiologist, who I will be seeing next week. Have seen a Youtube video of the interventional radiology and it didn't look bad. I am in very good health and very good shape (exercise 7 days a week). I am leaning towards taking the 4 inches out, (just to get everything over with and to minimize the chance of leaving something dangerous in my cecum with the looping procedure) but I am curious what any medical professionals here or people who have undergone the procedure think might think.

I had a bowel resection done and that was over 16 years ago. Had some complications due to personal make up, but all went well and has made a huge difference. My doctor, who turned out to be a PSU grad, did a good job, and I was able to get back into sports and physical activities with no problems. There have been no further issues, and I have always been glad I made the decision to have the surgery.

 

[bytir]

Glov and 777 I wish you both the best of luck. Lately my doctor is really leaning on me about getting a colonoscopy.

If your in the neighborhood of 50 - don't hesitate and do it. It could save your life! I had apprehensions and waited till 54 and it almost cost me mine. Research your gastro extensively - like any profession there are good and bad.

 

[dailybuck777]

My experience was similar to olelion - stage IIa, but surgeon removed softball sized tumor along with the upper portion of my large intestine. Tumor had a rare genetic marker - so no accompanying chemo. Fortunately i tested negative for the genetic issue (Lynch Syndrome). June will be my 2 year surgery anniversary. I had a wonderful surgeon who was dead on with his recovery time-frame and what to expect. I had additional post surgery issues (blood clots) that caused complications, but did not necessarily slow my surgery recovery. 6 weeks sounds about right - that was how long i was on disability, and was limited in lifting, working out, etc. during that time frame. Was told it would be slow and gradual build back of strength over 6 months, and that a year later i would feel about 85%.

As far as the colon goes, no major difficulties and you learn to adjust. The first two weeks with coughing and god forbid a sneeze will make you tear up. Keep a pillow near by to clench to your stomach. The first couple of months when your intestines are settling into place is interesting to say the least, but it isn't necessarily painful and doesn't last long. The first two weeks with coughing and god forbid a sneeze will make you tear up. I joke with my kids that i am like an old re-built street rod. Engine and Exhaust are noisier at times, and exhaust smokes on occasion but as long as it still gets down the road all is good.

In all seriousness - the potential cancer issue is where you want to start your decision making from. I don't know where you are located - but no matter how good your doctors seem if you are in a more rural area - go for a second opinion and a third if it makes you more comfortable. Any of the university related research hospitals in larger cities will have doctors with more experience in similar cases to yours. Do your research and ask many questions, especially about the historical percentages of any procedures / treatments you are considering.

Sorry for the length - hopefully something here has helped. God bless and good luck with your journey!

Thanks a lot for your very thoughtful post. The tip about the pillow was very useful. Very happy that you had a good result.

I was told that your colon is attached to your body by something like velcro and that they have to cut that away and that you have to be careful after the surgery not to re-tear the velcro. I get that and definitely don't want to have to get cut up twice were I to do something stupid and injure myself after the operation. However, not being able to work out after the operation is a big negative for me, but it is simply something I probably will have to live with.

I am in a city area and generally the large medical practice I am a patient of is very good. My endoscopy doc was very good, so I give his recommendation some credence. On the other hand, I am a lawyer and know that there is a wide variation in the abilities of lawyers and doctors as well. A good friend of mine had a gastric problem last year and he had good results with this practice. I will do what I can to further check out the surgeon. Your suggestion about the historical results is also very good. Thanks very much again.

 

[Connorpozlee]

Your consulting w Surgeons and Specialists, who know your situation in great detail....... and you are coming to an anonymous message board to ask complete strangers for advice?

Well, his other option was to go to his own board and ask these guys:

I think he made the right choice.

No advice buck, but good luck to you. Sounds like the outlook is positive for you either way you go.

 

[Dave1649]

Prayers and good thoughts for you buck .... hope all goes well .... all the Best !

 

[Fox Chapel Lion II]

Buck if it were me, it’s a clear choice. Option 1 all the way and here’s why.

First, it’s gonzo once and for all. Never have to think about leaving any iffy cells behind to do damage later. One and done.

Second as you mentioned, a polyp on a bend is harder. Risk of side effects is greater. And if God forbid you have a little leak or puncture they’re going to go back in and whack it anyway and now it’s likely to be a lot more than four inches.

Six weeks sidelined, six weeks to build back up, you will be a new man.

Good luck to you and @TheGLOV.

 

[bytir]

Thanks a lot for your very thoughtful post. The tip about the pillow was very useful. Very happy that you had a good result.

You are very welcome - I usually hesitate to discuss it, but i remember wishing I had known more before hand. I was very lucky with my surgeon, but switched gastro and oncologist after the surgery and it was best decision I made. My wife claims the pillow was more of a security blanket for me, but it worked either way. The Velcro thing was what i was referring to as movement. The "re-attachment" was how it was described and the surgeon was concerned about developing a hernia during that recovery period. Walking and some swimming was the best I was allowed for those 6 weeks. It will go quicker than you think. Good luck whatever you decide, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.

 

[brupsu]

dailybuck777, what were/are you symptoms that led you to where you are out now?

I ask simply because I may be heading down the same road as you sir.

Do hope you respond.

I have to have a colon ostomy soon.

Have had a history of non-cancerous polyps.

Every thing I eat down just hangs so heavy in my intestine causing discomfort and pain until relieved; but never fully feeling good.

Colonostomy or colonoscopy?Wish you the best with prayers either way.I just had one as I have a history of polyps.They found two very small polyps one of which was pre cancer.The polyps were approx 2mm.I am on the six year plan but at 71 we will see

 

[dailybuck777]

Colostomy or colonoscopy?Wish you the best with prayers either way.I just had one as I have a history of polyps.They found two very small polyps one of which was pre cancer cancer.The polyps were approx 2mm.I am on the six year plan but at 71 we will see

Thanks for your concern. I will not be having a colostomy. Surgeon said my operation is fairly common and there has been no mention of any long-term effects. Just doing everything I can to make the right choice as to how to remove polyps.

 

[brupsu]

My experience was similar to olelion - stage IIa, but surgeon removed softball sized tumor along with the upper portion of my large intestine. Tumor had a rare genetic marker - so no accompanying chemo. Fortunately i tested negative for the genetic issue (Lynch Syndrome). June will be my 2 year surgery anniversary. I had a wonderful surgeon who was dead on with his recovery time-frame and what to expect. I had additional post surgery issues (blood clots) that caused complications, but did not necessarily slow my surgery recovery. 6 weeks sounds about right - that was how long i was on disability, and was limited in lifting, working out, etc. during that time frame. Was told it would be slow and gradual build back of strength over 6 months, and that a year later i would feel about 85%.

As far as the colon goes, no major difficulties and you learn to adjust. The first two weeks with coughing and god forbid a sneeze will make you tear up. Keep a pillow near by to clench to your stomach. The first couple of months when your intestines are settling into place is interesting to say the least, but it isn't necessarily painful and doesn't last long. The first two weeks with coughing and god forbid a sneeze will make you tear up. I joke with my kids that i am like an old re-built street rod. Engine and Exhaust are noisier at times, and exhaust smokes on occasion but as long as it still gets down the road all is good.

In all seriousness - the potential cancer issue is where you want to start your decision making from. I don't know where you are located - but no matter how good your doctors seem if you are in a more rural area - go for a second opinion and a third if it makes you more comfortable. Any of the university related research hospitals in larger cities will have doctors with more experience in similar cases to yours. Do your research and ask many questions, especially about the historical percentages of any procedures / treatments you are considering.

Sorry for the length - hopefully something here has helped. God bless and good luck with your journey!

God bless

 

[brupsu]

My expeerience. I was operated on for stage III colon cancer near the juncture with the small intestine. I had 2+ ft of colon removed arthro scopically followed by chemo. The impact of the operation on the function of my bowels is not detectable.

Thats just wonderful

 

[L.A.Lion]

Well, his other option was to go to his own board and ask these guys:

I think he made the right choice.

No advice buck, but good luck to you. Sounds like the outlook is positive for you either way you go.

Guy in the middle appears to be wearing a string of excised polyps; he might be a good person to ask. Or are they testicles?

I've spent a couple days playing human fire hydrant prepping for the camera up my ass but they found nothing, so all kidding aside I'm just going send my best wishes to DB777 and to the others who've shared their stories here.

 

[SLUPSU]

I have a large, (3.5 centimeters) tubular polyp in my Cecum that based on the first biopsy is neither cancerous nor precancerous. I have a choice of 1: having 4 inches of my Cecum removed (Surgeon says I get out of hospital in 1-2 days), but 6-week recovery period. (Almost certainly being extremely conservative to deal with people in poor shape, which I am not -- I would expect more like 3 weeks of recovery)

2: Having interventional endoscopy, where they would take a metal cutting loop and cut it out. They would need at least 2 attempts to take it out because the loop can only cut out 2.5 centimeters at one time. Also, the Cecum is comparatively thin and there is a danger of a perforation. Furthermore, my polyp sits on a fold making it comparatively difficult to cut it out. Additionally, the endoscopy risks leaving some cancer there or making it more difficult to biopsy the polyp. (If the polyp crumbles while being cut out) The big advantage of the endoscopy is that it is not surgery and there is almost immediate recovery. The downside is that I may have to be scoped 3-5 times between getting the polyp out and monitoring the result after the procedure to make sure there is no (to this point none seen) cancer or precancerous material left after the loop cut.

I have talked to the surgeon but not the interventional radiologist, who I will be seeing next week. Have seen a Youtube video of the interventional radiology and it didn't look bad. I am in very good health and very good shape (exercise 7 days a week). I am leaning towards taking the 4 inches out, (just to get everything over with and to minimize the chance of leaving something dangerous in my cecum with the looping procedure) but I am curious what any medical professionals here or people who have undergone the procedure think might think.

I have no specific experience with your situation, but each procedure carries risk, you need to weigh the additive risk of 3-5 minor "operations" vs one moderate operation.
Each colonoscopy has the following potential major complications:
adverse sedation or anesthetic events including aspiration pneumonia, post-polypectomy bleeding, diverticulitis, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and colonic perforations.

Based on your description, I would get it over with and go with option 1.... best of luck to you.

 

[nits74]

Best of luck, Buck. You're one of the many good guys on this board.

 

[dailybuck777]

Best of luck, Buck. You're one of the many good guys on this board.

Thanks that is very nice of you to say.

 

[dailybuck777]

I have no specific experience with your situation, but each procedure carries risk, you need to weigh the additive risk of 3-5 minor "operations" vs one moderate operation.
Each colonoscopy has the following potential major complications:
adverse sedation or anesthetic events including aspiration pneumonia, post-polypectomy bleeding, diverticulitis, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and colonic perforations.

Based on your description, I would get it over with and go with option 1.... best of luck to you.

That is what my preference was coming in and multiple people here are coming from the same place. Thanks.

 

[81b&w]

Just a word of advice... I was offered a discount if they could use my procedure for educational research, to which I accepted. My son said he was terribly embarrassed and I looked like an ass in his health class video

 

[gregoryj95]

First of all, if you've got 4" to spare you're doing ok So be grateful for that.

You have the perfect attitude and you've taken care of yourself physically which is the biggest part of almost anything like this. Because of those things, you're so very likely to do great no matter which option you choose. If it were me, I'd lean toward your own preference of the more radical solution of the bisection. One and done, my man.

@TheGLOV , just get it checked out. Like, now. You're probably 100% fine if you do that. But don't wait. It's like a ball that starts rolling from the top of the hill. Changing its course early on is easy. If you let it get halfway down the hill it's a whole other thing. I have friends that caught stuff early and had an outpatient procedure with minimal follow up. Piece of cake. One dear friend waited and waited and I'll leave it at that. Would be pretty cool if you set your appointment tomorrow and let us know in this thread that you did.

 

[Fayette_LION]

I have a large, (3.5 centimeters) tubular polyp in my Cecum that based on the first biopsy is neither cancerous nor precancerous. I have a choice of 1: having 4 inches of my Cecum removed (Surgeon says I get out of hospital in 1-2 days), but 6-week recovery period. (Almost certainly being extremely conservative to deal with people in poor shape, which I am not -- I would expect more like 3 weeks of recovery)

2: Having interventional endoscopy, where they would take a metal cutting loop and cut it out. They would need at least 2 attempts to take it out because the loop can only cut out 2.5 centimeters at one time. Also, the Cecum is comparatively thin and there is a danger of a perforation. Furthermore, my polyp sits on a fold making it comparatively difficult to cut it out. Additionally, the endoscopy risks leaving some cancer there or making it more difficult to biopsy the polyp. (If the polyp crumbles while being cut out) The big advantage of the endoscopy is that it is not surgery and there is almost immediate recovery. The downside is that I may have to be scoped 3-5 times between getting the polyp out and monitoring the result after the procedure to make sure there is no (to this point none seen) cancer or precancerous material left after the loop cut.

I have talked to the surgeon but not the interventional radiologist, who I will be seeing next week. Have seen a Youtube video of the interventional radiology and it didn't look bad. I am in very good health and very good shape (exercise 7 days a week). I am leaning towards taking the 4 inches out, (just to get everything over with and to minimize the chance of leaving something dangerous in my cecum with the looping procedure) but I am curious what any medical professionals here or people who have undergone the procedure think might think.

Dailybuck, I would ask your surgeons for post op reactions/situations from both procedures. I had robotic surgery for prostate cancer and everyone was right on the nuts about everything that occurred up to and including the surgery. Post surgery care issues have been a disaster as far as I'm concerned. No one explained the possibility of issues resulting from the surgery. I feel these people have the answers but you really don't get them unless you ask specific questions. Example, I had a catheter installed for the first two weeks. It leaked more urine outside the tube than it caught. What a mess. Doctor said he wouldn't do anything with it for first two weeks. Lots of little things that I did not expect occurred. Bowel problems still occurring. Just not the same. Talked to other guys with prostate cancer and I get the same response. We didn't plan on the happening and no one told us about it. Ask good questions.

 

[olelion]

Really wonderful to hear. You must have had a really good surgeon. My question would be: How long was your recovery period?

I was hospitalized on a Wednesday, discharged on Saturday. That was early September 2016. I began Chemo in Ocotober with 6 sessions ending right before Christmas, I had full bowel function before I left the hospital. I was restricted a bit on lifting until the stitches went away. I was then restricted a bit when I had a chemo port installed high on my chest. The chemo side effects were lethargy and peripheral neuropathy affecting my feet with some numbness. I still have the peripheral neuropathy. It's now been two years and I've had one colonoscopy, and to CTscans of upper chest and abdominal cavity, both negative. I seldom think about it anymore