Approaches to assessing completeness of polyp resections in clinical practice: a systematic scoping review

Background Protocols for standardized assessment of complete colorectal polyp resection are lacking. This may contribute to divergent quality standards and hinder reliable comparison of incomplete resection rates (IRRs) across resection devices, techniques, endoscopists and institutions. To inform the development of such protocols, we aimed to review available methods. Methods We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to July 30, 2024. Studies describing the use or validation of methods for assessing completeness of polyp resections were included. Studies using recurrence detected at follow-up or histopathological resection specimen margin assessment as outcome measure were excluded, unless used as a reference standard for evaluation of other methods. Results Forty-five eligible studies were identified. Methods proposed to assist in visual confirmation of complete resection included the use of image enhancement techniques (n=6), artificial intelligence (n=1), and resection defect diameter (n=1). Methods for measuring IRRs based on a histopathological reference standard involved biopsy sampling (n=29) and extended margin resection (n=8). IRR measurement protocols differed in terms of factors such as location and number of biopsies (1-8), and widths of extended resections (1-3 mm). IRRs exceeding 10% were observed for all polyp size categories and almost all resection techniques, with considerable variability in IRRs reported across studies (biopsy sampling: 0-24.2%; extended resection: 0-61.1%). Conclusions Different methods are available to assist in visual confirmation of complete resection and measuring IRRs, with considerable variability in their application. This review highlights the need for standardized assessment of complete colorectal polyp resection.

Publication History

Received: 19 June 2025

Accepted after revision: 07 January 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
14 January 2026