Treatment outcomes and recurrence following standard cold forceps polypectomy for diminutive polyps.

Abstract

The recurrence rate after standard cold forceps polypectomy (CFP) of diminutive polyps of≤5mm has not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term follow-up results and recurrence rate after CFP of diminutive polyps. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 884 (738 men; age 53years) asymptomatic subjects who underwent surveillance colonoscopy after CFP of 1-2 diminutive adenomatous polyps. Cumulative recurrence at the CFP site and risk factors for recurrence were analyzed. Overall recurrence over 59.7months was 17% after CFP of 1111 diminutive polyps. The rate of definite recurrence was 4%, and probable recurrence was 13%. Recurrence as advanced adenoma was 0.5% (5/1111). The cumulative probabilities of recurrence at 3, 5, and 7years after CFP were 10.0, 16.0, and 21.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that polyp 4-5mm in size and right colonic polyp were risk factors for recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.86 and HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.08-2.04, respectively). The recurrence rate for 10 endoscopists who performed at least 50 CFPs ranged from 11.0 to 25.2%; the probability of recurrence in those in the top half in terms of recurrence rate was 1.6-fold higher than that of those in the bottom half (95% CI 1.17-2.19). Although recurrence may develop after standard CFP of diminutive polyps, recurrence as advanced adenoma is rare. Large polyp size, right colon polyp, and endoscopist are risk factors for recurrence after standard CFP.