Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for colorectal polyps: single institution experience

Because of their difficult location or size, some polyps are impossible to remove with a flexible colonoscope and must be surgically removed. Laparoscopy is a great alternative.

To assess outcomes of a laparoscopic approach for the management of difficult colorectal polyps.

From 2006 to 2014, patients with polyps that could not be treated by endoscopy were included. Demographic data, histology of the biopsy, type of surgery, length of postoperative stay, complications and final pathology were reviewed prospectively.

Forty-two patients with a mean age of 64.9 ±8.4 underwent laparoscopic polypectomy. Laparoscopic mobilization of the colonic segment and colotomy with removal of the polyp was performed for 12 (28.6%) polyps. Laparoscopic segmental bowel resection was performed in 30 (71.4%) cases: anterior rectal resection with partial total mesorectal excision in 12 (28.6%), left hemicolectomy in 7 (16.6%), sigmoid resection in 6 (14.3%), ileocecal resection in 2 (4.76%), resection of transverse colon in 2 (4.76%) and sigmoid resection with transanal retrieval of specimen in 1 (2.38%). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.9 ±2.6 days. There were 4 complications (9.5%). All patients recovered after conservative treatment. Mean polyp size was 3.6 ±2.2 cm. Final pathology revealed polyps (n = 2), tubular adenoma (n = 6), tubulovillous adenoma (n = 20), carcinoma in situ (n = 10) and invasive cancer (n = 4). Two of these patients underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomies 14 and 10 days after laparoscopic colotomy and polypectomy.

For the management of endoscopically unresectable polyps, laparoscopic polypectomy is currently the technique of choice.