New Evidence for Efficacy of Cold Snare for Polyps <10 mm in Size

Because of its safety profile, cold snaring is emerging as the resection method of choice for colorectal polyps <10 mm in size. Available evidence suggests that cold snaring is also effective, but efficacy data are more limited.

In a study in Japan, investigators removed 126 lesions 2 to 8 mm in size (19 were 6–8 mm) by cold snaring using a 10-mm stiff snare capable of electrocautery (though electrocautery was not used). After resection, clips were placed near the site, but not on it, for location at repeat endoscopy 3 weeks later.

All but one polyp was resected en bloc, and the pathologic R0 resection rate was 32%. Among the 111 lesions identified as adenomas on histopathology, researchers identified 102 sites at repeat examination 3 weeks l…