[Resection of small colorectal polyps using a dedicated cold resection snare].

BACKGROUND

According to actual German guidelines the resection of small colorectal polyps can be performed using a biopsy forceps. The guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopy within 2 - 6 months if complete resection cannot be prooven. Cold snare resection of polyps allows easy and complete resection of small and diminutive polyps.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To develop and evaluate a snare for cold resections of colorectal polyps.

METHODS

We conducted a monocentric observational trial in our university hospital to test the performance of the cold snare resection for colorectal polyps < 10 mm. Consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. No submucosal injection was performed. Polyps were grasped with the snare and after accurate positioning of the snare polyps were resected. Primary endpoint was the rate of complete resection as defined by histology. Complications such as bleeding, perforation or abdominal pain were recorded.

RESULTS

In total 99 polyps were resected in 58 patients (15 female, 43 male, age 62.8 years (31 - 85 years). The mean polyp size was 5.3 mm (2 - 10 mm). Of the 99 polyps 88 were adenoma (74 tubular adenomas, 4 tubulo-villous adenoma and 2 serrated adenoma), 18/99 polys were hyperplastic polyps and one polyp revealed as a leiomyoma. In total 74 adenoma (92.5 %) were completely resected en bloc. In polyps of 1 - 4 mm of size the R0 resection rate was 90 % (27/30). In polyps of 5 - 10 mm of size the R0 resection rate was 94 % (47/50). No complications occurred.

DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated a high R0 Resection rate for small colorectal polyps using a dedicated cold resection snare. Cold snare resection of small polyps helps to reduce the rate of piece meal resections in small colorectal polyps.