[Endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps]

In 766 patients, 1413 polyps of the colon and the rectum were resected endoscopically. 79% of the polyps were located in the rectum and sigmoid colon. The histological examination revealed adenomatous polyps in 60%. 3.9% of the polyps showed a severe dysplasia in accordance with the WHO guidelines, and a further 3.1% already contained parts of an invasively growing carcinoma with involvement of the submucosa. Polyps in excess of 2 cm diameter had already undergone malignant transformation in 12%. However, the smallest malignant polyp was only 8 mm in size. Complications after endoscopic polypectomy occurred in 14 patients (1%); they could be controlled conservatively in 13 cases. Surgery was necessary in one case. No patient died.