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Polypectomy: ideal treatment for polyps in the colon (P1)

Polypectomy: ideal treatment for polyps in the colon (P1)

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 10/10/2023

Polyps or polyps in the colon are a protrusion of tissue on the surface of the mucosa of the colon or rectum and should be attended by specialists in Digestive Endoscopy with experience in endoscopic resection techniques, advanced polypectomy and gastroenterology .

Dr. Rafael Barreto Zúñiga

When a colonic polyp is small (less than 10 millimeters), most do not pose greater risk. Over time, however, some polyps (especially neoplastic ones) may develop cancer, which is often fatal in advanced stages. Anyone can develop polyps in the colon and rectum. Although the risk increases in people 50 years of age or older, obesity, smoking or family history of polyps or cancer. Incipient polyps do not show symptoms, therefore, screening studies such as colonoscopy are regularly recommended because polyps may be found in a timely manner and should be completely resected in a safe manner.

Endoscopic polypectomy: an ideal treatment to prevent cancer

The polypectomy consists of removing the colon and rectum polyps by special tools and processes (forceps, handles, endoscopic resection of the mucosa). It is well known that endoscopic polypectomy (colonoscopy) is a well-established method for reducing mortality from colon and rectal cancer. The majority of resected polyps are adenomas smaller than 10 millimeters without "complex " histology, and these lesions present little potential for malignancy, besides being easily resected by a usual polypectomy technique with a lower percentage of complications.

"Flat lesions" or non-polyposis and treatment

On the other hand, non-polyposis lesions of the colon and rectum greater than 20 millimeters are also referred to as "flat lesions" and constitute 1% to 2% of all colonoscopies and are difficult to treat. These lesions are considered under the heading of "difficult polypectomy" and often require surgery because they present a high degree of advanced histology. These lesions generally refer to laparoscopic surgery which is curative but invasive, costly and associated with comorbidities in elderly patients, as well as concomitant cardiovascular diseases.

Although the diagnosis of non-polyposis lesion (NPCRS) should be histological, endoscopic observation allows the degree of lesion elevation. This technique has allowed an alternative therapy to avoid surgeries. It is an outpatient procedure, safe and more cost effective than surgery.

For this reason, a new terminology for endoscopic resection, called Extended Endoscopic Resection of the Mucosa has recently been established, this technique has allowed an alternative therapy to avoid surgeries. It is an outpatient procedure, safe and more cost effective than surgery.

gastroenterology in Magdalena Contreras