[Polypectomy of the digestive tract]

Endoscopic polypectomy was one of the first therapeutic procedures, as it was done even before the appearance of colonoscopy through rigid endoscopies. Immediately after the use of monopolar current in endoscopy, polyp resection in the digestive tract has been a elective treatment, and is reserved only for surgeries which are very extensive, or those which cannot be surrounded with a wire loop. The impact of the polypectomy in colonic adenomas has been notable because of the possibility of the diagnosis of the entire surgical piece, and for the treatment of lesions with premalignant potential. The success of the complete resection of a colonic polyp is directly proportional to its size and shape, given that pendicular polyps guarantee the complete extirpation of the tumor, in that sessile polyps require additional techniques to elevate the lesion. Among the precautions in prepolypectomy are found the following: Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal (AINS) suspension; anticoagulant suspension, and adequate intestinal preparation. Hemorrhage and perforation occur in 0.1% of each. Postcoagulation syndrome is a secondary effect which only requires vigilance. The inherent complications in the use of secondary current are minimal when its technical principles are known. The success of endoscopic polypectomy depends on the refinement of the procedure, which is achieved through experience.