Abstract
The present study was performed to test the reliability of in situ measurements of
colorectal polyps when comparing videoendoscopes with fiberoptic endoscopes. In 25
small rectosigmoid polyps 3-12 mm) removed endoscopically, in situ diameters were
measured before polypectomy using both video- and fiberoptic endoscopes. Polaroid
and videoprint pictures were taken for computerised analysis of the area of the polyps
on the pictures. The results showed a good correlation between the polyp diameter
measured with the videoendoscope and fiberoptic endoscope (r = 0.97), with no significant
difference by parametric testing. The diameter and weight of the removed polyp also
correlated well with the diameter measured in situ using videoendoscopes (r = 0.92
and 0.77, respectively) or fiberoptic endoscopes (r = 0.90 and 0.81, respectively).
Furthermore, the weight of the removed polyp correlated reasonably well to the computerised
area measurement, the correlation coefficient being r = 0.90 for fiberoptic endoscopes
and r = 0.75 for videoendoscopes. We conclude that in situ polyp diameter measurements
using videoendscopes and fiberoptic endoscopes are similarly reliable and sensitive,
and both instruments can be used interchangeably in follow-up studies of polyp growth.
