Endoscopic resection and histological evaluation of colorectal polyps: Is it a definitive treatment?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Primary aim of the present study was the evaluation of efficacy and safety of endoscopic polypectomy in a tertiary advanced endoscopic laboratory in Northwestern Greece. Additional aim was to estimate the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment of colorectal polyps and record the clinical course. METHODS: One hundred and fifty consecutive patients (97 men) with colorectal polyps of size larger than 0.5 cm were included. The size, topography, shape and presence of pedicle were recorded for every polyp. Concerning the size, polyps were divided into: <1 cm, between 1-2 cm, >2 cm. RESULTS: The rectum and sigmoid were the most common sites of detection (76.6%). Endoscopic resection was successful and the complication rate was very low (2.6%). The majority of the removed polyps were neoplastic (87.1%). Most neoplastic polyps were tubulovillous adenomas (50.8%). Low-grade dysplasia was detected in most of the polyps (82.9%), but highgrade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma was also detected in some patients. In total, 10 patients underwent surgical resection. Regular follow-up did not reveal significant residual polyps or recurrence of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic polypectomy is effective and safe and leads to complete resection of neoplastic polyps in the majority of cases.