Simple optical evaluation criteria reliably identify the post-endoscopic mucosal resection scar for benign large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps without tattoo placement
Neal Shahidi, Sunil Gupta, Anthony Whitfield, Sergei Vosko, Owen McKay, Oliver Cronin, Simmi Zahid, Nicholas G. Burgess, Michael J. Bourke
Abstract
Abstract Background Recognition of the post-endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) scar is critical for large (≥ 20 mm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyp (LNPCP) management. The utility of intraluminal tattooing to facilitate scar identification is unknown. Methods We evaluated the ability of simple easy-to-use optical evaluation criteria to detect the post-EMR scar, with or without tattoo placement, in a prospective observational cohort of LNPCPs referred for endoscopic resection. The primary outcome was scar identification, further stratified by lesion size (20–39 mm, ≥ 40 mm) and histopathology (adenomatous, serrated). Results 1023 LNPCPs underwent both successful EMR and first surveillance colonoscopy (median size 35 mm, IQR 30–50 mm); 124 (12.1 %) had an existing tattoo or a tattoo placed at the index EMR. The post-EMR scar was identified in 1020 patients (99.7 %). The presence of a tattoo did not affect scar identification (100.0 % vs. 99.7 %; P > 0.99). There was no difference for LNPCPs 20–39 mm, LNPCPs ≥ 40 mm, adenomatous LNPCPs, and serrated LNPCPs (all P > 0.99). Conclusions The post-EMR scar can be reliably identified with simple easy-to-use optical evaluation criteria, without the need for universal tattoo placement.