Postpolypectomy bleeding: incidence, risk factors, prevention, and management

Endoscopic polypectomy is at the forefront of colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. However, endoscopic polypectomy is not completely free of complications, with bleeding being one of the most common complications encountered. In view of the ongoing campaign to introduce colorectal cancer screening to the population, addressing the issue of colonoscopic complications, and postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB) in particular is becoming more important. Despite the fact that the overall incidence of PPB is low, predisposing factors need to be elucidated to further decrease the frequency of this complication. Furthermore, the role of various techniques of PPB prophylaxis remains controversial. We review recent studies on the incidence, risk factors, prophylaxis, and management of PPB.