| StateName |
Average Cash Price |
| Alabama |
$1,467
|
| Alaska |
$1,986
|
| Arizona |
$1,661
|
| Arkansas |
$1,455
|
| California |
$1,823
|
| Colorado |
$1,604
|
| Connecticut |
$1,755
|
| Delaware |
$1,706
|
| District of Columbia |
$1,691
|
| Florida |
$1,611
|
| Georgia |
$1,510
|
| Hawaii |
$1,528
|
| Idaho |
$1,484
|
| Illinois |
$1,685
|
| Indiana |
$1,537
|
| Iowa |
$1,397
|
| Kansas |
$1,446
|
| Kentucky |
$1,480
|
| Louisiana |
$1,642
|
| Maine |
$1,484
|
| Maryland |
$1,747
|
| Massachusetts |
$1,800
|
| Michigan |
$1,658
|
| Minnesota |
$1,866
|
| Mississippi |
$1,493
|
| Missouri |
$1,475
|
| Montana |
$1,535
|
| Nebraska |
$1,500
|
| Nevada |
$1,585
|
| New Hampshire |
$1,589
|
| New Jersey |
$1,925
|
| New Mexico |
$1,463
|
| New York |
$1,812
|
| North Carolina |
$1,454
|
| North Dakota |
$1,616
|
| Ohio |
$1,512
|
| Oklahoma |
$1,618
|
| Oregon |
$1,650
|
| Pennsylvania |
$1,703
|
| Rhode Island |
$1,815
|
| South Carolina |
$1,549
|
| South Dakota |
$1,444
|
| Tennessee |
$1,456
|
| Texas |
$1,574
|
| Utah |
$1,640
|
| Vermont |
$1,610
|
| Virginia |
$1,566
|
| Washington |
$1,747
|
| West Virginia |
$1,567
|
| Wisconsin |
$1,654
|
| Wyoming |
$1,610
|
What is a polypectomy in the colon?
A polypectomy is a procedure where abnormal growths within the colon (the large intestine) are removed. These abnormal growths may be benign or they may be early signs of cancer. For this reason, a polypectomy is performed to analyze these polyps under a microscope and look for signs of cancer.
A polypectomy is a part of a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy a flexible tube with a camera on its end is inserted in the anus and advanced through the colon to search for any abnormal growths (polyps). If polyps are found they can be removed with cutting tools that can be inserted through the scope and controlled under guidance of the camera.
Is a polypectomy considered surgery?
No, a polypectomy is commonly called a “procedure” as opposed to a “surgery.” This is because they are done by gastroenterologists, a doctor that specializes in treatment of the intestines, as opposed to a surgeon. They also do not require cutting the skin, altering, or moving any normal structures within the body, and do not require general anesthesia (putting you to sleep). Those three features are common in nearly all surgeries.
What happens after polyps are removed?
After the polyps are removed they are sent to a lab. There they are cut into small slices and checked for signs of cancer. There may be a small amount of bleeding after these polyps are removed but the colon heals very quickly and these small areas of bleeding do not cause any significant pain or discomfort.
Some patients report a sensation of bloating or cramping before and/or after a colonoscopy. This is thought to be due to the laxatives that you must drink for 24 hours before the colonoscopy. Most patients report that these symptoms resolve within a day of the colonoscopy.
How long does it take for the colon to heal after polyp removal?
The colon heals very quickly, there may be some abdominal cramping and rectal bleeding after the procedure but this should not last more than 24 hours. If you are still uncomfortable more than 24 hours after the procedure your doctor will likely request you come for a followup visit.
Can colon polyps grow back after removal?
Yes, polyps generally form over time and it is possible for more polyps to form after a colonoscopy. The ones that are removed do not grow back but others may form near them. This is why every few years a repeat colonoscopy is required. The exact amount of time that passes between colonoscopies depends on how many polyps are removed and your risk for colon cancer.
What happens if colon polyps are not removed?
Two things can happen if a colon polyp is not removed--it may remain a polyp or may develop into colon cancer. This development is slow, which is why not all polyps that are seen on a colonoscopy are removed; only those that are at higher risk of progressing to cancer are removed.
Your gastroenterologist can tell which polyps are at the highest risk of progressing to cancer based on their appearance. Ones that are high risk are always removed while those that are low risk are often watched. A repeat colonoscopy will be done 1-5 years later to look for any changes that suggest these polyps may become cancerous.
