Symptoms of gastric polyps

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Gastric polyps are also relatively common in clinical practice, especially in the outpatient department of gastroenterology. The symptoms of gastric polyps can generally be divided into several types. The first type is asymptomatic; patients undergo gastroscopy due to abdominal discomfort or incidental findings, discovering gastric polyps that are generally small, usually less than 0.5 cm. From a treatment perspective, regular observation can be sufficient without intervention, and a gastroscopy recheck every six months to a year is advisable. However, a small portion of patients may experience certain symptoms such as nausea, early satiety, burping, and belching, etc. Generally, the symptoms are mild and do not affect daily life or sleep, so there is no need for undue concern. The treatment of gastric polyps generally falls into two categories; the first is regular observation, possibly because the polyps are relatively small; the second, if the polyps are larger, or if they have been found to increase in size during regular check-ups, considering removal through endoscopy might be necessary.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
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Is APC treatment for gastric polyps painful?

The treatment of gastric polyps is mainly focused on endoscopic procedures, including APC (argon plasma coagulation) treatment, which is quite suitable for gastric polyps. For patients, the APC treatment usually does not involve pain, so there is no sensation or suffering involved. Thus, APC treatment for gastric polyps is relatively appropriate and generally considered safe. The complications to be cautious of are not pain, but rather bleeding, such as gastrointestinal bleeding post-procedure. For gastric polyps, APC treatment may take varying lengths of time; it might be completed in just a few minutes under smooth conditions, but could extend to over ten minutes in some cases. Overall, this is a relatively mature and safe examination method.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
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Are stomach polyps scary?

As people's living conditions continue to improve and medical technology advances, the general public's demand for better health is increasing, correspondingly raising the rate of routine gastroscopic examinations. Therefore, the incidence of gastric polyps has significantly increased compared to the past. Discovering gastric polyps is not necessarily alarming. There are adenomatous polyps and hyperplastic polyps; only adenomatous polyps, if left untreated over a long period, might develop into malignant tumors. Generally, if polyps are detected and treated in a timely manner, there should be no issues. Polyps can be excised under gastroscopy, a procedure that is minimally invasive, quick, and has few side effects. After treatment, regular gastroscopic follow-ups can be conducted without major concerns.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if a gastric polyp becomes cancerous?

If gastric polyps undergo malignant transformation, we generally refer to it as malignant tumors of the stomach, commonly known as gastric cancer. However, treatment varies depending on the size and extent of the malignant transformation of the gastric polyps. Generally, endoscopic resection is the preferred method of treatment. However, if the gastric polyps have become significantly large or deeply infiltrative, we recommend surgical intervention, such as partial gastrectomy under laparoscopy. Gastric polyps are relatively common in clinical settings, and most of them are benign. Of course, over time, a small percentage of patients may develop malignancy, commonly known as gastric cancer. Typically, for gastric cancer, endoscopic resection is the primary treatment choice, supplemented by laparoscopic surgery removal. Furthermore, if the patient shows lymphatic spread, it is considered progressive gastric cancer, and in addition to surgery, chemotherapy can be considered. Generally, the treatment outcomes for early-stage gastric cancer are quite favorable, hence it is recommended that patients pursue proactive treatment.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Postoperative care for gastric polyp electrocautery

After undergoing endoscopic polypectomy for gastric polyps, dietary adjustments should be made according to the number and severity of the polyps removed, as well as the patient's constitution. Generally, food should be prohibited for a few days post-surgery to minimize the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Nutritional support can be provided parenterally, especially for elderly bedridden patients who should avoid pressure sores. It is important to frequently turn elderly patients, and wipe their backs and buttocks. About two weeks after surgery, the patient can transition to a normal diet, including milk and other nutritional supplements. The healing process for gastric polyp removal by electrosurgery typically takes about 6-8 weeks.

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Do you need anti-inflammatory medication after gastric polyp surgery?

The treatment of gastric polyps generally involves endoscopic removal. After the surgery, patients are usually advised to fast to protect the stomach and anti-inflammatory treatment is typically not necessary. Normal eating can usually resume after one to two days, and stomach protection might be appropriate for about 2 to 4 weeks, generally without the need for anti-inflammatory medication. Therefore, anti-inflammatory treatment is usually not necessary. The incidence of gastric polyps is increasing, and most patients do not exhibit specific symptoms. These polyps are often discovered incidentally during physical exams or gastroscopic examinations. Typically, gastric polyps are not large; those smaller than 0.5 cm can be observed, while those larger than 1 cm, or those that increase in size or number over time, can be treated endoscopically. Currently, endoscopic treatment of gastric polyps is a safe and effective method. Most of these polyps are benign, with fewer being malignant, so patients need not worry excessively.