Risk factors for polyp retrieval failure in colonoscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic procedures
• Surgical pathology

Background:

• Colonoscopy is a key tool for diagnosing, resecting, and retrieving colonic polyps.
• While polyp retrieval is recommended, it is not always successful.
• Identifying risk factors for retrieval failure is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the risk factors associated with polyp retrieval failure during colonoscopy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 3507 colonoscopies performed between September 2011 and December 2012.
• Included colonoscopies with polyp diagnosis and snare polypectomy.
• Collected demographic and technical data from endoscopy reports.

Main Results:

• Out of 1109 analyzed polyps, 53 (4.8%) were not retrieved.
• Univariate analysis identified age, polyp size, resection technique, bowel preparation, location, and prior colorectal surgery as significant factors.
• Multivariate analysis revealed previous colorectal surgery, cold snare resection, right colon location, inadequate bowel preparation, and polyp size up to 5 mm as independent predictors of retrieval failure.

Conclusions:

• Several factors are associated with polyp retrieval failure after colonoscopy.
• Inadequate bowel preparation was the only modifiable factor identified.
• Improving bowel preparation quality is essential to minimize polyp retrieval failure.