Resection depth and layer of cold snare polypectomy versus endoscopic mucosal resection

Background Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) has not undergone sufficient histopathological evaluation. This study aimed to clarify the histopathological features of CSP specimens, including resection depth and layer, as compared with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Methods Polyps were recruited retrospectively. Sessile, semi-pedunculated, and 0-IIa polyps of ≤ 9 mm were selected by propensity score matching and classified as either a complete resection or one with an unevaluable/positive (X/+) margin. Resection depth and layer were estimated and the risk factors for an X/+ margin were evaluated. Results A total of 1072 polyps were enrolled. After matching, 184 polyp pairs were selected. An X/+ margin was seen in 105/184 (57%) vs. 70/184 (38%) CSP vs. EMR specimens ( p