Frontline Endoscopy: Polypectomy – tips, tricks and which polyps to remove endoscopically

Thank you for listening to this podcast, where Frontline Gastroenterology Trainee Editor Dr Philip Smith talks to Professor Brian Saunders, Consultant Gastroenterologist, St. Mark’s Hospital and Adjunct Professor of Endoscopy at Imperial College. The podcast is an accompaniment to the Frontline Gastroenterology Special #EndoLive Twitter Debate (#FGDebate) held on Tuesday 3rd March 2015, 8-9pm GMT, entitled 'Frontline Endoscopy: Polypectomy – tips, tricks and which polyps to remove endoscopically'. Prior to the debate Professor Saunders said: “Colonoscopic polypectomy has become the most commonly performed therapeutic procedure in gastroenterology practice. Used correctly it is a powerful tool in cancer prevention and can significantly reduce the morbidity from traditional surgery. Training in polypectomy is highly variable and poor technique may lead to incomplete polyp resections and the risk of interval cancers. Complete and safe polyp resection requires an understanding of basic principles of anatomy, polyp pathology, the application of diathermy and the recognition and management of complications. Although most polyps are small and easily managed with tried and tested snare techniques, larger lesions can be more challenging and potentially hazardous to remove with the endoscope. In recent years patient-centred, multidisciplinary meetings (Polyp MDT’s) have been helpful in tailoring therapeutic strategy. Options for resection include piecemeal EMR, ESD or hybrid techniques such as laparoscopically assisted polypectomy or trans-anal submucosal endoscopic resection (TASER). This Twitter debate aims to share key guidance on the approach to lesion recognition, appropriate selection and delivery of polypectomy techniques and prevention and management of polypectomy complications. A unique feature will be the opportunity to upload polyp images for discussion and debate.” The purpose of the podcast is to 'fill any gaps' the #FGDebate may have left. Professor Saunders has also provided the slides he used in #FGDebate to help those interested understand the issues associated with polypectomy and polyp management. We hope you enjoy this and that it is informative. View the slides: http://goo.gl/hH0P10 Don't miss the next #FGDebate with Dr Simon Gabe, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Intestinal Failure Specialist at St Mark’s Hospital London on Tuesday 14th April 2015, at 8-9pm GMT and will discuss, 'Frontline Nutrition: The management of intestinal failure’.