title: Endoloop-assisted polypectomy for large pedunculated colorectal polyps.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of an endoloop may minimize the risk for bleeding after endoscopic polypectomy of large colorectal polyps. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of colonoscopic ligation of the stalk of large pedunculated polyps by means of an endoloop technique, and to focus particular attention on the instances in which the use of this device was unsuccessful.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study retrospectively evaluated attempted endoloop endoscopic polypectomy in 33 patients (19 men and 14 women; mean age, 62.5 years) with large pedunculated polyps.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Application of the endoloop was impossible in four patients, and the snare became entangled with the loop in one patient. The remaining 28 patients underwent endoloop-assisted polypectomy. Bleeding occurred in four patients, either because the loop slipped of the stalk after polypectomy (2 patients) or because a thin stalk (< or = 4 mm) was transected by the loop before polypectomy (2 patients).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Colonoscopic polypectomy with an endoloop may be safer than conventional polypectomy. The reasons for technical failure of this technique include a narrow left colon lumen, a thin stalk (< or = 4 mm), and close cutting in relation to the site of encirclement by the loop.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endoscopy and Motility Unit, Central Hospital, Ethnikis Aminis 41, 546 35, Thessaloniki, Greece. papaziog@med.auth.gr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Katsinelos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kountouras
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Paroutoglou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beltsis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chatzimavroudis
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zavos
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vasiliadis
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Katsinelos
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Papaziogas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007417:Intestinal Polyps / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D008026:Ligation / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000009:adverse effects