An introduction to colonic polypectomy.

Background: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. The vast majority of colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Polypectomy is an endoscopic therapy that interrupts the sequence by which a polyp develops into cancer. Methods: A review was conducted of the published literature and clinical guidelines relevant to colonic polypectomy, with an aim to introduce basic concepts of colorectal polyp assessment and management and to describe potential complications of polypectomy. Findings: Through optical lesion assessment, it is possible to identify polyps with malignant potential. A number of techniques can be used to attempt removal, the goal of which is complete histological eradication in the safest way possible. Conclusion: Endoscopic polypectomy is a relatively safe intervention that is protective against colorectal cancer. Increasingly, nurses in the UK are being trained to perform polypectomy, particularly within the Bowel Scope service, which is part of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme aimed at early diagnosis and removal of pre-cancerous, distal colorectal lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]