Colonoscopic polypectomy

Despite the frequency with which polypectomy is performed, there is a paucity of information on what technical aspects of polypectomy most effectively remove polyps and minimize complications. The practice of polypectomy is based largely on the observational experience of experts and what gastroenterology fellows have learned from their attending physicians and from experts in postgraduate courses. Moreover, polypectomy technique is not consistent across the United States. In this technique update, the author presents his own methods for treating and observing small, large pedunculated, and large sessile polyps and discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and complications of each technique.