Management of complex colorectal lesions from the endoscopic tissue resection specialist perspective

Endoscopic resection (ER) is the standard of care for the management of large (≥20 mm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCP). Certain lesion characteristics increase the risk for incomplete ER, recurrence, harbouring submucosal invasive cancer and post ER adverse events. These include lesion location, morphology, difficult endoscopic access and prior attempts at resection. Such LNPCP are termed ‘complex’. Recognition of complexity is a crucial component of technique selection and resource allocation. Until recently, resection of complex lesions was dominated by surgery. Surgical resection of benign lesions is associated with prolonged hospital stay and post-operative recovery, stoma creation, post-operative complications and even death. Advances in ER techniques have enabled huge strides in the management of these lesions and is proven to be safer and more cost-effective than surgery.