Colonoscopy, with tumor removal (SNARE)

Procedure Information

What is Colonoscopy with Tumor Removal (SNARE)?

A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the colon and rectum. It can be used to remove polyps or tumors, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon and rectum. 

Polyps do not usually turn into cancer. But if some types of polyps (also known as adenomas) are not removed, they may turn into cancer.

A polypectomy snare is a wire loop device used during colonoscopy designed to slip over a polyp and, on closure, results in cutting the polyp off at its stalk. Conventional snare polypectomy uses cautery, a hot wire with an electrical current that cauterizes the tissue while removing the polyp

Why would I get a colonoscopy with tumor Removal (SNARE)?

If you have any growths and risk factors like a family history of polyps or colon cancer, your doctor will recommend the procedure.

Polyps can be associated with some hereditary disorders, including:

• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Lynch syndrome
• Gardner’s syndrome

Doctors believe that most colon cancers develop from adenoma polyps. But very few polyps will turn into cancer. Because there is a risk for polyps to develop into cancer, your physician will always recommend removing these polyps.

What happens during the procedure?

The most common procedure for treating polyps involves physically removing them using a wire loop. 

This happens during a procedure called a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube called a colonoscope is passed through your rectum and up into your bowel. The colonoscope has a wire attached to it through which an electric current is passed. The wire is used to either burn off (cauterize) or cut off (snare) the polyp. Both methods are painless.

What to expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it takes an hour to begin to recover from the sedative you were given. You'll need someone to take you home because it takes up to a day for the sedative to wear off.

If a polyp was removed, your doctor will advise you to eat a special diet temporarily. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam. Walking may help relieve any discomfort.

You will also notice a small amount of blood with the first bowel movement. This can be normal but for the first few days only.

Conclusion

After polyps have been removed, they will be sent to a specialist in a laboratory, who'll inform your consultant if:

• The polyp has a risk to regrow.
• The polyp has cancerous changes.

If cancerous changes are found, you will need further treatment (depending on the degree and extent of change). Your specialist will be able to advise you about this.

Citations

John Hopkins: Intestinal Polyps

Nhs: Bowel polyps

Mayo Clinic: Colonoscopy