Routine and advanced polypectomy techniques

The performance of colon polypectomy has proven to be one of the most impactful services provided by today's endoscopist. Advancements in instrumentation and endoscopic techniques have been studied intensely by endoscopists over the past decade in order to expand their extent of resection capabilities to large and complex polyps. Much of the research in the past year has focused on the safety and efficacy of performing endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and combined laparascopic-endoscopic resections (CLER). Experts have published case-series, multicenter studies, and even nationwide results on the use of these methods for complex polypectomy. Because of the novelty and increased risk of these procedures, recent research has also focused on the prevention, identification and management of complications related to polypectomy, particularly bleeding and perforation. This manuscript will review the recent literature addressing basic and advanced colon polypectomy techniques.