A novel polyp retrieval bag reduces the polyp fragmentation rate in colon polypectomy: a single-blind randomized controlled study.

Purpose: The fragmentation of polyps affects complete resection confirmation. The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel polyp retrieval bag for reducing the fragmentation rate of colon polyps.

Methods: Patients with a 5-15 mm colon polyp were recruited and randomized into two groups at a 1:1 ratio. After polyp resection, polyps obtained from patients in the treatment group were extracted via a novel polyp retrieval bag without traversing the instrument channel, whereas polyps obtained from patients in the control group were collected through the instrument channel, attaching the polyp trap to the instrument channel port, and applying suction.

Results: From January to July 2022, 225 patients were assessed for eligibility. The study participants included 204 patients, and seven patients whose samples were not retrieved were excluded. Polyp fragmentation was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (3.0% [3/100] vs. 17.5% [17/97], P = 0.001). The retrieval failure rates in the treatment group and control group were not significantly different (2.0% [2/102] vs. 4.9% [5/102], P = 0.442). There were fewer colonoscope insertions in the treatment group than in the control group (102 vs. 110), but a significant difference was not present (P = 0.065). No significant adverse events were observed during the follow-up.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the polyp retrieval bag was safe and feasible for reducing the fragmentation rate of retrieved polyps.

Trial registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05189912, 1/12/2021).