A novel technique using endoscopic band ligation for removal of long-stalked (>10 mm) pedunculated colon polyps: A prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic removal of large and thick-stalked pedunculated colonic polyps, often leads to massive hemorrhage. Several techniques to minimize this complication have not been widely adopted due to some caveats. In order to prevent postpolypectomy bleeding, we invented a novel technique to dissect long-stalked pedunculated colonic polyps using endoscopic band ligation (EBL) by laterally approaching the stalk. METHODS: In this prospective single-center study, 17 pedunculated polyps in 15 patients were removed between April 2012 and January 2016. We targeted pedunculated polyps with a long stalk length (>10 mm) and a large head (>10 mm) located in the distal colon. After identifying lesions with a colonoscope, we reapproached the middle part of the stalk of the targeted polyp with an EBL-equipped gastroscope to ligate it. Snare polypectomy was performed just above the ligation site of the stalk. RESULTS: EBL-assisted polypectomy removed all of the lesions successfully, which were confirmed pathologically. There was little technical difficulty associated with the endoscopic procedures, regardless of polyp size and stalk thickness, except for one case with a very large polyp that impeded the visualization of the ligation site. We observed a positive correlation between procedure time and the diameter of the head (spearman ρ = 0.52, P = 0.034). After dissection of the polyp, the EBL bands remained fastened to the dissected stalks in all cases. There was no complication associated with polypectomy for 1 month. CONCLUSION: EBL-assisted polypectomy is an easy, safe, and effective technique to remove long-stalked pedunculated colonic polyps without postpolypectomy bleeding.