A two-step method for marking polypectomy sites in the colon and rectum

Intraoperative localization of polypectomy sites is critical for laparoscopic and open surgery, but conventional methods of marking the colorectum are sometimes unreliable. A new two-step method for marking polypectomy sites for identification during laparoscopic and open operations is described.

Eighteen patients with postpolypectomy lesions necessitating preoperative marking were enrolled in this study. A physiologic saline solution was endoscopically injected into the submucosa to produce an artificial submucosal elevation (pseudopolyp). A small volume of India ink was then injected into the submucosal elevation (pseudopolyp) with a separate needle.

The two-step method was easily applied for all lesions without complication. At surgery, all lesions were immediately visualized.

The two-step tattooing method proved to be easy, safe, and accurate for marking polypectomy sites.