Aciphex, or raberprazole, is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and acid secretory problems such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Aciphex is also used with antibiotics to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers. Aciphex belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. According to the Mayo Clinic, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors such as Aciphex can lead to growth of stomach polyps.
Stomach Polyps and Aciphex
Stomach polyps are abnormal growths that protrude from the lining of the stomach. A major cause of growth of polyps in the stomach is the long-term suppression of stomach acid by proton pump inhibitors such as Aciphex.
Symptoms of Stomach Polyps
According to the Mayo Clinic, small polyps do not usually cause obvious symptoms. Large polyps may develop ulcers that may bleed and cause black tarry stool and coffee ground vomits. Other signs of stomach polyps include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
Stomach Polyps and Gastric Cancer
The Mayo Clinic states that stomach polyps may cause cancer of the stomach. Smaller polyps are not cancerous but the risk of cancer increases as the polyps enlarge. Doctors typically remove polyps to prevent the development of stomach cancer. Doctors recommend frequent upper gastrointestinal endoscopies for patients who take proton pump inhibitors for long-term treatment and prevention of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Polypectomy
Stomach polyps are usually removed through a process called polypectomy. Large polyps are removed by placing a polypectomy snare around the bases of the polyps. The snare is tightened and the polyps are pulled out. Heat treatment is immediately applied to seal off bleeding vessels.
Polypectomy Complications
Polypectomy has complications especially when large polyps are removed. Perforation and severe bleeding may occur when polypectomy snare pulls out the polyps. Bleeding at polypectomy site may occur several days after the polypectomy. Patients should watch for signs and symptoms of perforation and bleeding.
