The difference in colon polyp size before and after removal

Thomas G. Morales, Richard E. Sampliner, Harinder S. Garewal, M. Brian Fennerty, Mikel Aickin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

96 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Accurate knowledge of polyp size is important in assessing cancer risk in both clinical studies and individual patients. We sought to determine if a difference exists between the endoscopic estimation of colon polyp size and the actual measurement after removal. Methods: We measured polyps in a systematic fashion. Using open biopsy forceps as a guide, the largest diameter of 31 pedunculated polyps was estimated endoscopically. The polyp was then removed by snare polypectomy and directly measured by a technician who was blinded to the endoscopic estimate. Each polyp was also measured after formalin fixation by a pathologist who was blinded to previous measurements. Results: There was a significant difference between the endoscopic estimates and the postoplypectomy measurements. Endoscopic estimates on average were 1.6 mm greater than the postpolypectomy measurements (p<0.005), representing an 18% difference. Twenty-three of the 31 (74%) endoscopic estimates were larger than the postopolypectomy measurements. There was not a significant difference between the postpolypectomy and postfixation measurements. Conclusions: The size of polyps measured endoscopically is significantly larger on average than postpolypectomy measurements. This is most likely due to factors involved in the removal of the in vivo polyp.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)25-28
Number of pages4
JournalGastrointestinal endoscopy
Volume43
Issue number2 PART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Gastroenterology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The difference in colon polyp size before and after removal'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this