The lost polyp: a guide to retrieval during colonoscopy.

Polyps resected during colonoscopy should be recovered and sent for pathologic examination. Unfortunately retrieval is incomplete ranging from 85-100% in reported series. There are several specific techniques aimed to increase the retrieval rate which in our experience amounted to 94.5% of a series of 182 polypectomies in 100 consecutive patients. All lost polyps were small and were thought to have been aspirated through the suction channel of the endoscope. In our study 10% of the initially "lost" polyps were within the instrument prior to cleaning. Various forms of polyp retrieval are reviewed with special attention to locating the aspirated polyp.