Endoscopic therapy for polyps and tumors

Endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal polyps and tumors has become an important addition to traditional surgical therapy. This includes resection of small and large polyps. Saline-assisted polypectomy is typically used for resection of larger flat and sessile gastrointestinal polyps. Detachable snares can be placed around thick stalks of larger pedunculated polyps to prevent postpolypectomy bleeding. Closing large polypectomy sites with endoclips may also play a role in the prevention of delayed postpolypectomy bleeding. Both immediate bleeding and delayed bleeding can occur and can be successfully managed using various endoscopic methods, including endoclips and endoscopic ligation. Endoscopic submucosal dissection can also be employed for en bloc resection of large gastrointestinal lesions. Perforations can occur during resection and can be closed using standard endoclips or over-the-scope clips.