Endoscopic Resection Is Safer and Less Costly than Surgery for Most Large Colorectal Polyps

For most large colorectal polyps, endoscopic resection is safer and much less costly than surgical resection, according to estimates from published morbidity data. Now, researchers have retrospectively analyzed actual safety and cost data from a single center. From 2003 through 2013, surgical resection was performed in 359 patients (73% with right hemicolectomy, 42% with an open approach). From 2011 to 2013, endoscopic resection was performed in 198 patients, and 73 had surgical resection (70% by laparoscopy).

Of the surgical patients, 7% experienced adverse events (AEs), most commonly prolonged ileus (2%), that delayed discharge. Thirteen percent were rehospitalized for a surgery-related AE within 1 year (2% for infection, 2% for leak). Wit…