Colonoscopic polypectomy

Since the advent of fiberoptic endoscopy and the introduction of colonoscopic polypectomy, a simple and cost-effective procedure has been available to deal with an exceedingly common problem, the colonic polyp. Although polyps in the gastrointestinal tract have a varied natural history, there is strong evidence that adenomatous colonic polyps have a potential for malignant degeneration and that virtually all colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps. This article will review some basic features of the endoscopic approaches and problems associated with polypectomy.