I had a sigmoidoscopy, and a polyp was found. I don't know whether to allow it to be biopsied and removed by a regular surgeon with another sigmoidoscopy, or whether to have a colonoscopy for biopsy/removal by a specialist. What should I take into account in choosing my treatment?

Becky

A sigmoidoscopy is usually performed to detect polyps -- abnormal growths that are precursors to colon cancer. If one is detected, the next step is usually to perform a colonoscopy to find out if there are other polyps (not an infrequent occurrence) and to remove the polyps totally. This is done by passing a wire loop (a snare) around the base or stalk of the polyp and passing an electric current through the wire. An intravenous anesthetic makes this a painless outpatient procedure. The complication rate is very low, though serious complications such as bleeding or perforations happen in rare cases.

Unless a polyp cannot be removed by the colonoscopist, it should not be removed by surgery. Colonoscopy is the best option. I suggest you see a specialist in gastroenterology for detailed information about the procedure.