The endoscopist's guide to serrated polyposis.

Abstract

Serrated polyposis is a condition of the colon characterized by multiple serrated polyps. This review aims to provide a practical guide to the day-to-day management of serrated polyposis, including diagnosis, endoscopic identification of serrated polyps, surveillance, the role of endoscopic and surgical management and the screening of family members. The literature was searched using PubMed and MEDLINE databases for the terms "serrated polyp", "serrated polyposis" and "hyperplastic polyposis". English-language abstracts were read and the full article was retrieved if relevant to the review. Expert opinion from the authors was also sought. Advances in our knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in serrated polyposis and an improved clinical picture of the disease from retrospective studies have led to better understanding of its pathogenesis and natural history. However, there are still areas not answered by the literature, and hence empirical management or expert opinion has to be followed. Improvements in our understanding of serrated polyposis, together with improvements in endoscopic equipment and technique, have enabled the endoscopist to be at the forefront of managing this condition from diagnosis to endoscopic surveillance and control of the polyps.