Localization of colonic lesions with endoscopic tattoo.

PURPOSE

Intraoperative localization of small tumors or polypectomy sites is frequently a difficult problem. In addition, the distance measured from the anus to the lesion by the endoscopist can be inaccurate. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the utility of India ink tattoo injection as a preoperative marking technique before colon surgery.

METHODS

Colonic lesions were marked at preoperative colonoscopy, by multiple, small-volume injections of sterile India ink using a sclerotherapy needle, adjacent to the lesion.

RESULTS

This technique was used in 14 patients with colonic carcinoma or villous adenoma not amenable to polypectomy. There was excellent intraoperative localization of the lesion in 11 patients. The complication rate was 7 percent.

CONCLUSION

Colon tattoo allows precise localization of lesions with minimal risk at the time of resection.