[An experience with clinical endoscopy and argon-plasma coagulation for removal of large bowel polyps]

Fifty-one loop polypectomies assisted by argon-plasma coagulation were performed in 40 patients, aged 18-85. Polyps presented as sitting on a wide pedicle (25), sprawling (19) or spreading flat (7) in rectum (24), sigmoid (18) or colon (9). Polyp diameter ranged 1.0-1.9 cm (12 adenomas), 2-2.9 (18) or 3-5 cm (21). Coagulation was carried out immediately after partial removal of polyp with the aid of diathermic loop. Endoscopic follow-up and biopsy were conducted after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Complete destruction of adenomas was achieved by 1-6 coagulations (mean - 1.4) performed at an interval of 3-4 weeks. During follow-up (6-24 months), out of 40 patients with 51 polyps, histologically identifiable villous adenoma was detected in 3 (during 12 months). The latter underwent repeat argon-plasma coagulation. That technique proved more effective and safer than traditional methods in dealing with large polyps of the large bowel having a wide pedicle and/or sprawling.