Published online Feb 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i7.2178
Peer-review started: June 30, 2014
First decision: July 21, 2014
Revised: August 5, 2014
Accepted: September 18, 2014
Article in press: September 19, 2014
Published online: February 21, 2015
Processing time: 226 Days and 19.3 Hours
AIM: To assess the accuracy of polyp size using an endoscopic lesion measurement system (ELMS).
METHODS: The accuracy of polyp size assessment was compared among measurements acquired by visual estimation, disposable graduated biopsy forceps (DGBF; used as a “scale-plate”) and the ELMS.
RESULTS: There were 192 polyps from 166 cases included in this study. The mean diameter of the post polypectomy measurement was 0.85 ± 0.53 cm (range: 0.2-3.0 cm). The mean diameter by visual estimation was 1.10 ± 0.53 cm, which was significantly different compared to the actual size of the polyp (P < 0.001). The mean diameters obtained using DGBF (0.87 ± 0.54 cm) and ELMS (0.85 ± 0.53 cm) did not significantly differ from the actual size of the polyp. The difference between the measurements from the ELMS and DGBF was not significant.
CONCLUSION: Unlike visual estimations at colonoscopy, endoscopic graduated biopsy forceps and the endoscopic lesion measurement system are accurate methods to estimate polyp size.
Core tip: In this study, we established an endoscopic lesion measurement system (ELMS) to measure polyp size during endoscopy. We measured 192 polyps from 162 patients and found that the accuracy of visual estimation for colonic polyp size is low. The accuracy of estimating polyp size was distinctly increased when measured by disposable graduated biopsy forceps and ELMS. In particular, the accuracy of estimation by ELMS was higher than the clinician’s estimation and DGBF for polyps > 1 cm.