Follow-up after bowel polyps: a short guide
Short patient information to print or keep.
How is the timing decided?
I look at the number, size and type of polyps, the histology result, whether the polyps were fully removed and how well the bowel was seen. Previous polyps, family history and your health also guide follow-up. High-grade dysplasia is an advanced cell change, but it is not invasive cancer.
Different reasons for another check
An early scar check looks for remaining or recurrent tissue after some large or complex polyp removals. Later surveillance looks for further polyps throughout the bowel. You may need both. New symptoms need assessment separately and should not wait until your surveillance date.
Your documented recommendation
Your recommended follow-up will be documented in the endoscopy and/or histology report after tissue results are available. Please get in touch with me if the next step is unclear, a result or due appointment has not arrived, or you would like a consultation to discuss your results. A negative FIT does not replace an advised colonoscopy. Sometimes the surveillance interval I recommend does not meet public funding criteria. Eligibility reflects clinical risk and how services prioritise available capacity. If this affects you, we can discuss the recommendation and available options.
When to seek help
Discuss new bleeding, persistent bowel changes or unexplained weight loss with me or your GP. After polyp removal, seek urgent assessment for heavy or ongoing bleeding, clots, black tarry stools, severe or worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting or faintness. Call 111 for collapse, heavy bleeding with faintness or if you cannot travel safely. Follow your discharge and individual medicine instructions.
When to get urgent help after removal
Seek urgent medical assessment for heavy or ongoing bleeding, blood clots, black tarry stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, or feeling faint or very unwell. Follow your discharge advice, including your individual medicine instructions.
Call 111 if you collapse, have heavy bleeding with faintness or are too unwell to travel safely.
General information. Follow your own care instructions.