Endoscopic management of colorectal polyps

New chapter in precision medicine: strategies for endoscopic resection of 10-20 mm non-pedunculated colorectal polyps

The preferred resection methods for 10-20 mm non-pedunculated lesions remain unclear. This review summarizes the current methods and novel technologies for resecting 10-20 mm non-pedunculated colorectal polyps, mainly focusing on hot snare polypectomy, cold snare polypectomy (CSP), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The application of novel techniques involving bipolar snares and low-power pure-cut is expected to reduce adverse events (AEs) related to thermal damage, but prospective studies are needed to confirm their reliability. CSP, including conventional CSP and submucosal injection CSP (SI-CSP), maintains resection efficacy with dedicated snares or submucosal injection for regular non-pedunculated polyps and serrated lesions with a low AE rate of 0.0%-3.4%. Modified EMR techniques such as underwater EMR, tip-in EMR, and EMR-circumferential precutting demonstrate a 15.0%-20.0% increase in en bloc resection rates compared with conventional EMR while also reducing AEs. ESD is recommended as the preferred method for medium-sized colorectal lesions with suspected submucosal invasion, fibrosis, particularly when the procedure is technically challenging. In addition, optical diagnosis is essential for pathological assessment and precise resection. Also, postoperative follow-up is needed for high-risk lesions and cases with unsatisfactory resection.

Effects of Different Endoscopic Treatment Methods on Bleeding Complications in Pedunculated Colorectal Polyps

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps offers several advantages, including ease of performance, reduced surgical time, and preservation of anatomic structures. However, bleeding remains a common complication of the endoscopic treatment of colorectal polyps, particularly with a higher incidence of postprocedural bleeding in pedunculated colorectal polyps. Currently, there is no optimal method for the resection of pedunculated colorectal polyps. The aim of this study was to compare the postresection bleeding outcomes of 3 different techniques for the removal of pedunculated colorectal polyps.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of postresection bleeding following the use of 3 techniques-endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and prophylactic clips was conducted on pedunculated colorectal polyps.

RESULTS

The incidence of delayed hemorrhage after endoscopic mucosal resection resection of pedunculated colorectal polyps was highest (18.9%). In contrast, the incidence rates of delayed bleeding in the ESD and prophylactic clip groups were 4.3% and 5.9%, respectively (P<0.05). The intraoperative bleeding rate was highest in the ESD group (6.5%), while no intraoperative bleeding occurred in the other 2 groups, indicating a statistically significant difference among the 3 groups (P<0.05). However, the need for endoscopic hemostasis due to delayed bleeding was not significantly different among the groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Employing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and clamping the stalk of pedunculated polyps before removal can effectively reduce the risk of postpolypectomy bleeding. Furthermore, ESD offers distinct advantages for the removal of larger polyps, both at the stalk and the head.

Efficacy-cost analysis of endoscopic mucosal resection and cold snare polypectomy: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Although substantial evidence supports the advantages of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) in terms of polypectomy efficacy and reduced postoperative adverse events, few studies have examined the cost differences between CSP and traditional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for the treatment of intestinal polyps.

AIM

To compare the efficacy-cost of EMR and CSP in the treatment of intestinal polyps.

METHODS

A total of 100 patients with intestinal polyps were included in the retrospective data of our hospital from April 2022 to May 2023. According to the treatment methods, they were divided into EMR (n = 46) group and CSP (n = 54) group. The baseline data of the two groups were balanced by 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), and the cost-effectiveness analysis was performed on the two groups after matching. The recurrence rate of the two groups of patients was followed up for 1 year, and they were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group according to whether they recurred. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the influencing factors affecting the recurrence of intestinal polyps after endoscopic resection.

RESULTS

Significant disparities were observed in the number of polyps and smoking background between the two groups before PSM (P < 0.05). Following PSM, the number of polyps and smoking history were well balanced between the EMR and CSP groups. The direct cost incurred by the CSP group was markedly higher than that incurred by the EMR group. Concurrently, the cost-effectiveness ratio in the CSP group was substantially reduced when juxtaposed with that in the EMR group (P < 0.05). Upon completion of the 1-year follow-up, the rate of recurrence after endoscopic intestinal polypectomy was 38.00%. Multivariate methods revealed that age ≥ 60 years, male sex, number of polyps ≥ 3, and pathological type of adenoma were risk factors for recurrence after endoscopic intestinal polypectomy (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CSP was more cost-effective for the treatment of intestinal polyps. An age ≥ 60 years, male sex, having a number of polyps ≥ 3, and pathological type of adenoma are independent influencing factors for recurrence.

The Impact of Endoscopic Mucosal Resection and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection on Colonic Polyp Resection and Factors Influencing Recurrence

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the endoscopic resection of colonic polyps and investigate the factors influencing polyp recurrence.

METHODS

A total of 174 patients with colorectal polyps admitted to the Gastroenterology Department during the same period were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. The patients were randomly allocated to the EMR group and ESD group (72 cases in each group) using a random number table. The clinical efficacy, quality of life, adverse reactions, and 1-year postoperative recurrence rate were compared between the 2 groups. In addition, factors influencing polyp recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between the EMR and ESD groups in terms of clinical efficacy, postoperative quality of life, and postoperative complications. However, the postoperative recurrence rate in the ESD group was significantly lower than that in the EMR group. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of polyps ≥3, maximum polyp diameter ≥2 cm, and family history of colorectal cancer were independent risk factors for colonic polyp recurrence.

CONCLUSION

ESD and EMR demonstrate similar efficacy and safety in patients with colonic polyps. However, the recurrence rate after ESD is significantly lower than after EMR. Furthermore, multifactorial analysis indicates that a larger polyp diameter, a more significant number of polyps, and a family history of colorectal cancer are independent risk factors for the recurrence of colonic polyps following resection.

Endoscopic techniques for management of large colorectal polyps, strictures and leaks

The implementation of screening colonoscopy with polyp removal has significantly decreased mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), although it remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths globally. CRC typically originates from adenomatous polyps, and increased removal of these growths has led to reduced CRC incidence and mortality. Endoscopic polypectomy techniques, including hot and cold snare polypectomy, play a pivotal role in this process. While both methods are effective for small polyps (<10 mm), recent evidence favors cold snare polypectomy due to its superior safety profile and comparable complete resection rates. Large polyps (>10 mm), particularly those with advanced features, pose increased cancer risks and often require meticulous assessment and advanced endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), for resection. This chapter also provides a practical overview of endoscopic techniques for managing colonic obstructions and pericolonic fluid collections, detailing their indications, advantages, disadvantages, and complications. The goal is to improve understanding and application in clinical practice. Additionally, we provide a summary of endoscopic closure techniques that have revolutionized the management of perforations and fistulas, offering safe and effective alternatives to surgery.

Application of artificial intelligence in colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy: Future prospects (Review)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a severe global health concern, with the third‑high incidence and second‑high mortality rate of all cancers. The burden of CRC is expected to surge to 60% by 2030. Fortunately, effective early evidence‑based screening could significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. Colonoscopy is the core screening method for CRC with high popularity and accuracy. Yet, the accuracy of colonoscopy in CRC screening is related to the experience and state of operating physicians. It is challenging to maintain the high CRC diagnostic rate of colonoscopy. Artificial intelligence (AI)‑assisted colonoscopy will compensate for the above shortcomings and improve the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of colonoscopy screening. The unique advantages of AI, such as the continuous advancement of high‑performance computing capabilities and innovative deep‑learning architectures, which hugely impact the control of colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality expectancy, highlight its role in colonoscopy screening.

Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Colorectal Adenomatous Polyps in Kashgar Prefecture of Xinjiang, China

Malignant colorectal tumors and precancerous lesions are closely associated with chronic inflammation. Specific dietary patterns can increase chronic inflammation in the body, thereby promoting the occurrence of tumors and precancerous lesions. We have conducted a case-control study in Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, to explore the association between the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and the risk of colorectal adenomatous polyps (CAP). A total of 52 newly diagnosed patients with CAP and 192 controls at the First People's Hospital of Kashgar Prefecture were enrolled in this study. Dietary information was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. The E-DII was calculated based on dietary data, reflecting an individual's dietary inflammatory potential. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between the E-DII and the risk of CAP, with adjustments for potential confounding factors. The results showed that the maximum anti- and pro-inflammatory values of E-DII were -4.33 and +3.48, respectively. Higher E-DII scores were associated with an increased risk of CAP, and this association remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and other relevant variables. Notably, a more pro-inflammatory dietary pattern may be related to an increased risk of developing CAP in Kashgar Prefecture.