A retrospective comparative study of argon plasma versus polypectome snare tip coagulation: effect on recurrence rate after resection of large laterally spreading type lesions

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an established technique for treating large laterally spreading type (LST) lesions ≥20 mm. The aim of our study was to compare the use of argon plasma (APC) versus snare-tip coagulation on the recurrence rate of large LST lesions. METHODS: All patients with large LST lesions resected by EMR between January 2006 and December 2014 were enrolled. After piecemeal resection, patients underwent either APC or snare-tip coagulation of the rim of the resection area and any residual adenomatous tissue. Follow up included colonoscopy and biopsies. Medical records, including characteristics of patients and polyps, complications and recurrence were retrieved and collected. RESULTS: One hundred one patients were included in the final analysis. They were divided into the APC group (n=50) and the snare-tip coagulation group (n=51). The 2 groups were similar concerning patients’ characteristics, size of polyps and histology. Post-polypectomy coagulation syndrome was observed in 8 patients (7.9%) (APC group: n=5 and snare tip group: n=3). EMR-related bleeding occurred in 9 patients (8.9%) (APC group: n=4 and snare tip group: n=5). Total recurrence rate was 14.85% (16% and 13.7% in APC and snare-tip groups, respectively, P=0.34). CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of snare-tip coagulation is comparable with that of APC with respect to recurrence rate after resection of large LST lesions. It thus represents a cost-effective alternative to APC.