Endoscopic snare resection followed by laser ablation in the treatment of large, sessile rectal adenomas.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Large sessile rectal adenomas can be difficult to eradicate, and different treatment modalities are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome after endoscopic snare resection followed by Nd:YAG laser ablation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a 10-year period 92 of 99 (93%) patients were registered prospectively and attended follow-up examinations with endoscopy and biopsies.

RESULTS

Fifty-four (59%) men and 38 (41%) women were included; 67 patients (73%) had high grade (severe) intraepithelial dysplasia or intramucosal neoplasia. The adenomas ranged from 2-9 cm (median 4 cm) in diameter, and were located 2-15 cm (median 5 cm) from the anal verge. A median of two (range 1-6) piecemeal snare resection sessions and a median of one (range 1-7) laser treatments were performed for each patient. Complete eradication was achieved in 86 patients (93%). Over a median follow-up period of 26 months, 20/86 (23%) suffered local recurrence, eight of whom were given a second laser treatment without developing further recurrence. In five of eight frail patients considered unsuitable for more radical treatment, repeated laser treatment was effective in keeping the adenoma small and symptoms at a minimum. As a whole the treatment was successful in 74/92 (80%) and partially successful in 5/92 (5%) of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Snare resection followed by laser ablation is safe and still has a place in the treatment of old, frail patients with large rectal adenomas. However, there is a risk of missing an infiltrating carcinoma, and other treatment options are preferable in fit patients.