Risk factors for incomplete polyp resection after cold snare polypectomy.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Incomplete polyp resection (IPR) is recognized as a risk factor for interval colorectal cancer (ICC), and is, therefore, an important issue in polypectomy. Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is a procedure that does not involve electrocautery and has no burn effect. Therefore, there is the possibility that the risk of ICC associated with IPR is higher in cases undergoing CSP than in those undergoing hot polypectomy. However, little is known about the risk factors for IPR after CSP. PURPOSE: Precise identification of the risk factors can lead to prevention of IPR after CSP. Therefore, we performed this observational study for accurate identification of the risk factors for IPR after CSP. METHODS: Medical records of a total of 501 patients with 1177 colorectal polyps that were resected at Omori Red Cross Hospital between October 2017 and March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The lateral and deep margins of the resected polyps were evaluated to check for the resection completeness. RESULTS: Among the 1177 polyp resections, 1163 were included in the final analysis. IPR was detected in 206 (17.7%) cases. Performance of the resection by a trainee (OR (95% CI) 1.87 (1.328-2.632); P < 0.001) was identified as an independent risk factor for IPR in patients undergoing CSP. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of the polypectomy by a trainee was identified as a significant risk factor for IPR in patients undergoing CSP. Prospective, randomized studies are necessary in the future to develop effective methods for the prevention/control of IPR after CSP.