Colonoscopically Assisted Laparoscopic Polypectomy–An Alternative to Right Hemicolectomy for Large Right-Sided Benign Polyps

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic assisted colonoscopic polypectomies have been well described in the literature and are well established in surgical practice, for removal of large, inaccessible, or flat based polyps. Laparoscope allows the endoscopist a serosal viewpoint and thus clear indication of perforation, in addition to enhancing endoscopic positioning through colonic mobilisation, facilitating polypectomy. We describe a previously rarely published technique, in which the colonoscope directs the surgeon to polyps and laparoscopy enables wedge resection of benign polyps using Endo GIA staplers. Using this method, the colonoscope provides an intra-luminal view ensuring adequate excision with margins whilst the laparoscope provides intra-peritoneal access for the wedge resection. Methods: This is a case series of 12 patients with large tubulovillous adenomas, found and biopsied at colonoscopy. Under a general anaesthetic, an on table colonoscopy was performed to identify and reassess the polyp, whilst a laparoscopy was performed to excise the polyp via wedge resection, using the endoscopic view as guidance. Results: The polyp was identified and completely resected in our 12 patients. All patients were discharged on the first post-operative day. Of the polyps excised, a focus of adenocarcinoma was detected in one and an adjacent endocrine tumour was found in another patient in histology along with tubulovillous adenoma. Rest were all tubulovillous adenomas only. Conclusion: We propose that this technique should be regarded as an alternative to Right hemicolectomies and difficult endoscopic mucosal resections for large adenomas, and be regarded as a definitive and safe procedure in its own right.