Safety of Endoscopic Resection of Large Colorectal Polyps: A Randomized Trial.

The effectiveness of colonoscopy in reducing colorectal cancer mortality relies on the detection and removal of neoplastic polyps. Because the risk of prevalent cancer and of transition to cancer increases with polyp size, effective and safe resection of large polyps is particularly important. Large polyps ≥20mm are removed by so-called endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) using electrocautery snares. Resection of these large polyps is associated with a risk of severe complications that may require hospitalization and additional interventions. The most common risk is delayed bleeding which is observed in approximately 2-9% of patients. A recent retrospective study suggests that closure of the large mucosal defect after resection may decrease the risk of delayed bleeding. However, significant uncertainty remains about the polypectomy techniques to optimizing resection and minimizing risk. Important aspects that may affect risk include clipping of the mucosal defect and electrocautery setting.