Evaluation Of Colorectal Polypectomy Practices In Portugal – A Nationwide Survey From A Western Europe Country

Aims Colonoscopy allows identification and removal of premalignant polyps. With this study, we aimed to assess the current polypectomy practice patterns among Portuguese endoscopists and verify if they followed the European guidelines for colorectal polypectomy.

Methods A 25-question electronic survey was created based on the standards set by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline for colorectal polypectomy. The electronic survey was sent to all members of Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology. Data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at SPG - CEREGA.

Results A total of 151 members completed the questionnaire, 52 % female, with a median age of 34 years old [IQR 31-45]. Most respondents were consultants (69.5 %), with 47.3 % from central hospitals vs 45 % from district hospitals, and 88.7 % performed at least 10 colonoscopies per week. Concerning right colon polypectomy, for polyps ≤3 mm cold biopsy forceps (CBF) was the most used (63.6 %) while for 4-5mm and 6-9mm polyps cold snare polypectomy (CSP) was preferred (88.7 % and 74.8 %, respectively); considering polyps ≥10mm, hot snare polypectomy (HSP) was the most chosen (58.9 %), but a significant number of respondents prefer endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) (37.7 %). In left colon polypectomy, CBF was the most used for polyps ≤3 mm (60.9 %) and CSP was the predominant choice for polyps 4-5mm and 6-9mm (90 % and 76 %, respectively); for polyps ≥10mm, HSP was preferred (72.2 %). CSP was performed by 98.7 % of respondents, but only 54.7 % adjusted the technique and 40.9 % used dedicated snares. Bleeding prophylaxis measures for high-risk pedunculated polyps were taken by 84.8 %, mostly adrenaline injection (73.5 %) and/or application of clips (52.3 %).

Conclusions CSP is underused for resection of polyps ≤ 3 mm, despite its known safety and efficacy. Our results show a satisfactory compliance with ESGE guideline, although there is still place for improvements.

Citation Dantas E, Coelho M, Sequeira C et al. eP135 EVALUATION OF COLORECTAL POLYPECTOMY PRACTICES IN PORTUGAL – A NATIONWIDE SURVEY FROM A WESTERN EUROPE COUNTRY. Endoscopy 2021; 53: S141.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 March 2021