Colonoscopic Polypectomy

Colonoscopic polypectomy is a major advance in the therapy of colon neoplasms. The techniques for safe and efficient polyp removal are described. The uses of a variety of ancillary devices are discussed, including clips, loops, submucosal injection of fluid, and several thermal probes, including the argon plasma coagulator. The location of a lesion may be difficult to ascertain by intracolonic landmarks, but can be more precisely determined by X-ray, magnetic imaging, or intraoperative colonoscopy. Alternatively, it is possible to permanently mark the site of polyp removal with a carbon particle submucosal injection to facilitate subsequent localization either by surgery or interval colonoscopy.