Histological Quality of Small Polyps Resected Uoosing Different Electric Currents in a Colonoscopic Polypectomy

Lee, Si Hyung; Jang, Byung Ik; Kim, Tae Nyeun; Choi, Joon Hyuk

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Most polyps encountered during a colonoscopic polypectomy are small. Thus, accurate evaluation of small polyp histology is important in the decision-making process. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the histological quality of polyps obtained by the use of snare polypectomy with two different electric currents.
METHODS
Consecutive polyps less than 1 cm were identified and removed by use of either the blend mode (Blended mode, Circon, BC-200) or automatic cutting and coagulation mode (Endocut Q mode, effect 3, 40 watts, ERBE, VAIO-300). An experienced gastrointestinal pathologist evaluated the specimens for cautery damage, margin, architecture, presence of muscularis mucosa and general histological quality.
RESULTS
Sixty-six patients (77.2% men; mean age, 60.2+/-9.2 years) underwent 109 polypectomies (53 using the blended mode and 56 using the Endocut Q mode; mean polyp diameter, 0.87+/-0.17 mm). Age, gender, location, diameter and the histology of the polyp was not different with the use of both methods. The cautery amount (> or =2) with use of the blended mode was not significantly different than with the use of the Endocut mode (50.9% vs. 39.2%, p=0.22). The cautery degree, margin, architecture, presence of muscular mucosa and overall histological quality was not different with the use of both methods.
CONCLUSIONS
The histological quality of polyps less than 1 cm obtained by use of either the blended mode or Endocut Q mode was not different.