Localization of colonic lesions with endoscopic tattoo.
OBJECTIVE
Intraoperative localization of small tumors or polypectomy sites is frequently a difficult problem. In addition, the distance measured from the anus to the lesion by the endoscopist can be inaccurate. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the utility of India ink tattoo injection as a preoperative marking technique before colon surgery.


METHODS
Colonic lesions were marked at preoperative colonoscopy, by multiple, small-volume injections of sterile India ink using a sclerotherapy needle, adjacent to the lesion.


RESULTS
This technique was used in 14 patients with colonic carcinoma or villous adenoma not amenable to polypectomy. There was excellent intraoperative localization of the lesion in 11 patients. The complication rate was 7 percent.


CONCLUSIONS
Colon tattoo allows precise localization of lesions with minimal risk at the time of resection.
Botoman
V A
VA
Division of Gastroenterology, Virginia Mason Clinic, Seattle, Washington.
Pietro
M
M
Thirlby
R C
RC
D018253:Adenoma, Villous / Q000601:surgery*; D002244:Carbon; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004396:Coloring Agents; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles; D011300:Preoperative Care; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013653:Tattooing
D004396:Coloring Agents; C028433:chinese ink; D002244:Carbon