A single method to document the size of endoscopically-excised colorectal polyps.

BACKGROUND Using polyp-phantoms we previously found a wide inter- and intra-observer variation in size assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five endoscopically-resected colorectal polyps were conventionally measured with a millimetre ruler and subsequently placed on a photocopier. Two measurements (one week apart) were made on the photocopies, between two marks limiting the largest dimensions of the polyp. RESULTS On photocopies, one of the values on the 2nd measurement (1/25) underestimated the value of the 1st measurement by 1 mm. On the other hand, disagreement was found in 15/25 when conventional measurements made at routine examination were compared to those assessed on the corresponding photocopies. CONCLUSION The method described offers several advantages: the pathologist measures the size of the resected polyp on the photocopy at the time of the final histological report. Pathologists are able to re-check the size of the polyp at a later date even if the polyp has already been processed. The filed photocopy is available for other pathologists. Clinicians can assess the magnitude of the removed polyp by a glance at the photocopy. The photocopy can be used to show the true size of the polyp to clinicians and surgeons at clinicopathological conferences, as well as in future research work. None of the above can be achieved by the present conventional method of assessing the size of endoscopically-resected colorectal polyps.