Routine Polypectomy Practices Vary Widely Among US Endoscopists and Commonly Deviate From Guidelines: An Analysis of Colonoscopy Registry Data.

Abstract

Best practices for removal of <1 cm colon polyps exist, but adherence to this guidance is uncertain. Using Gastroenterology Quality Improvement Consortium Registry (GIQuIC) data, colonoscopies with polyps <1 cm were analyzed for polypectomy technique used and differences in practices according to patient, procedure, and provider characteristics. Among 1,830,067 colonoscopies, cold forceps, cold snare, and hot snare polypectomy techniques were used in 35%, 58%, and 11% of cases, respectively. Technique varied by polyp type, geographic region, and provider specialty. Gastroenterologists' practices aligned with guidelines more closely than non-GI endoscopists. Polypectomy technique varies widely among US endoscopists and may not follow best practices.