Safety and Feasibility of a Patient-Centered Same-Day Polypectomy Referral System: A Single-Center Experience

Colon polypectomy is often performed on a separate day following screening colonoscopy, necessitating repeat bowel preparation.

We implemented a novel same-day polypectomy referral system to improve patient convenience and evaluated its clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction compared with conventional elective polypectomy.

We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database of patients referred for colon polypectomy at a tertiary center between July and December 2017. Polyp characteristics, bowel preparation quality, procedural outcomes, and complications were compared. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire.

A total of 112 patients were included (same-day polypectomy, n = 57; elective polypectomy, n = 55). The number and location of resected polyps were comparable between groups. Polyps in the same-day group were significantly smaller (6.3 ± 3.2 mm vs. 10.9 ± 8.7 mm, P < 0.001), and bowel preparation quality was lower (mean BBPS 6.8 ± 1.6 vs. 8.4 ± 1.0, P < 0.001). No procedure-related complications occurred in either group. Among respondents, 95% reported satisfaction with the same-day system, most commonly due to avoidance of repeat bowel preparation (71.8%).

The same-day polypectomy referral pathway appeared feasible in carefully selected patients with non-complex colorectal polyps and was associated with high satisfaction among questionnaire respondents. Lower bowel preparation quality in the same-day group should be considered when interpreting the findings, and the modest sample size precludes definitive conclusions regarding safety.