An international polypectomy practice survey

Abstract

Background and study aims: In recent years, cold snare polypectomy (CSP) has been recommended as the preferred approach for removal of small and diminutive colorectal polyps. We conducted an international survey among endoscopists to understand the uptake of CSP and changes in polypectomy practice during recent years.

Patients and methods: Endoscopists were invited through gastroenterology, colorectal surgery and endoscopy societies to participate in an online survey. The primary outcome was to identify the predominant polypectomy approach used to remove 4‒10 mm colorectal polyps. Secondary outcomes included the uptake of CSP in the past 5 years, current polypectomy practice patterns for 1‒20 mm polyps, practice changes in recent years, and perceived benefits/concerns related to different polypectomy techniques.

Results: The survey was distributed internationally by nine societies and completed by 808 endoscopists (response rate 3.7%). CSP was the predominant polypectomy technique for 4‒5 mm polyps (67.0%, 95% CI, 63.7–70.2%) and 6‒10 mm polyps (55.2%, 95% CI, 51.8–58.6%). For 1‒3 mm polyps, cold forceps remained the predominant technique (78.4%, 95% CI, 75.6–81.3%), whereas hot snare polypectomy (HSP) remained the predominant technique for 10‒20 mm polyps (92.5%, 95% CI, 90.7–94.3%). 87.5% (95% CI, 85.2–89.8%) of endoscopists reported an increase in CSP use during the past 5 years.

Conclusions: This survey found a substantial increase in CSP use during recent years. CSP has become the predominant polypectomy approach for 4‒10 mm colorectal polyps, while HSP remained the predominant approach for larger (10‒20 mm) polyps. Clinical practice patterns are well aligned with recently issued guideline recommendations.

Keywords:

• Polypectomy
• colorectal cancer prevention
• cold snare polypectomy
• colonoscopy practice patterns

Acknowledgements

Dr. Daniel von Renteln is the guarantor of the article accepting full responsibility for the conduct of the study. He had access to the data and control of the decision to publish.

Disclosure statement

Phillipe Willems, Saskia Ditisheim, Sinan Orkut, Heiko Pohl, Alan Barkun, Roupen Djinbachina, and Mickael Bouin have no conflicts of interest relevant to this paper to declare. Daniel von Renteln is supported by a ‘Fonds de Recherche du Québec Santé’ career development award and has received research funding from ERBE, Ventage and Pentax and is a consultant for Boston Scientific. The findings, statements and views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.