Ashwini Kumar, MD, Robert J Bowles, MD. University of Miami
Adenomatous polyps have malignant potential and removal of these by an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection is a common practise. These techniques may be difficult or unsuccessful due to several factors including poor bowel preparation, excessive tortuosity of the colon, and patient discomfort due to prolonged procedures. Also, there is a risk of iatrogenic injury including haemorrhage and colonic perforation. In cases of failure of polypectomy endoscopically, segmental colonic resection is often done, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Endoscopically assisted laparoscopic wedge resection of colon for extensive or inaccessible polyps is an excellent alternative in selective cases as described in the video.