Endoscopic resection of large pedunculated colonic polyps and risk of postpolypectomy bleeding with adrenaline...

Postpolypectomy bleeding is a major complication, especially in large pedunculated colonic polyps. Several endoscopic techniques have been evolved for prevention of bleeding episodes. The aim of this study is to evaluate postpolypectomy bleeding rates in large (>2 cm) pedunculated colonic polyps using either adrenaline injection alone or loop and clip application as prophylactic methods.

Patients with one pedunculated colonic polyps (>2 cm) were included in a double-blind study and studied prospectively. Exclusion criteria were coexistence of other large polyps, antiplatelet, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin. In group A (n = 32), adrenaline (1:10,000) was injected in the base of the stalk followed by conventional polypectomy using mixed coagulation and cutting current. In group B (n = 32), a detachable snare was placed at the base of the stalk followed by conventional polypectomy and clip application in the residual stalk above the snare. We evaluate the efficacy of combined endoscopic methods in early and late postpolypectomy bleeding rate in large pedunculated colonic polyps, severity of bleeding, days of hospitalization, and required transfusions.

Overall, bleeding complications occurred in 5/64 patients (7.81%). In group A (adrenaline injection alone), four patients (12.5%) had a bleeding episode: two (6.25%) occurred during the first 24 h and two (6.25%) between days 7 and 14 from the procedure. In group B only one patient (3.12%) had a late bleeding episode (p = 0.02). Severity of late bleeding in group B patients (one moderate bleeding) versus group A patients (one moderate and one severe bleeding) and need for transfusions (1 versus 5 blood units) were lower (p = 0.02). Hospitalization days did not differ between the two groups, but colonoscopy time was significantly higher in group B versus group A (p = 0.04).

Combined endoscopic techniques seem to be more effective in preventing postpolypectomy bleeding in large pedunculated colonic polyps.