Colonoscopic polypectomy.

Seven hundred and forty-one colonic polyps have been removed by colonoscopic polypectomy during 300 examinations. Up to 36 polyps were removed at a single examination. Colonoscopic treatment of villous adenomas to 7 cm has been successfully performed in elderly and infirm patients. There were no deaths or incidents of perforation and the only significant complications were two secondary haemorrhages requiring transfusion. The presence of a polyp was not definitely reported in 40% of barium enema X-ray examinations carried out within three months of polypectomy. Double contrast X-ray examinations were significantly more sensitive in the detection of polyps. Colonoscopic polypectomy is a safe and effective technique. All colonic polyps should be removed by this technique after diagnosis.