A comprehensive meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness and safety of cold snare polypectomy and hot snare polypectomy in removing colorectal polyps ≤ 10 mm.

Objective: The optimal methods for removing polyps remain controversial, especially for polyps ≤ 10 mm. We aim to combine the latest evidence to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and hot snare polypectomy (HSP) in the removal of colorectal polyps ≤ 10 mm in size.

Methods: We performed an extensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, with the search period ending in April 2023, for randomized, controlled trials comparing the effectiveness and/or safety of CSP and HSP for the removal of ≤ 10 mm colorectal polyps. The final outcomes included complete resection rate, operation time, and postoperative adverse event (including immediate bleeding, delayed bleeding, and perforation) rates.

Results: A total of 14 eligible randomized, controlled trials were included involving 7,460 patients and 15,829 polyps. The incidence of immediate bleeding was observed to be more prevalent in CSP in contrast to HSP, and the disparity was statistically notable (OR = 2.18, 95 % CI: 1.43-3.30, I2 = 36 %, p = 0.0003). The incidence of delayed bleeding was observed to be lower in CSP in contrast to HSP, and this difference was statistically significant (OR = 0.30, 95 % CI: 0.15-0.58, I2 = 0 %, p = 0.0003). Procedure time: both total colonoscopy time and specific polypectomy time were shorter in CSP versus HSP (MD = -5.92, 95 % CI: -9.70 to -2.14, I2 = 96 %, p = 0.002; MD = -0.56, 95 % CI: -0.91 to -0.20, I2 = 77 %, p = 0.002). There were no statistically significant differences in complete resection and polyp retrieval rate between CSP and HSP.

Conclusion: CSP is as effective and safe as HSP for ≤ 10 mm colorectal polyps, while effectively reducing the risk of delayed bleeding and shortening procedure time.