Complications of endoscopic polypectomy

Abstract

Colonoscopic polypectomy has revolutionized the treatment of benign colonic neoplasia. It is performed widely by gastroenterologists and surgeons and is a safe procedure. The two major complications of colonoscopic polypectomy include hemorrhage which has a reported incidence of 0.2% to 3% and perforation which has a reported incidence of 0.5% to 3%. Factors that increase the risk of these complications and management strategies are discussed in this review.