Management of Rectal Polyps

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer and cancer morbidity in the United States. In comparison to colon polyps, rectal polyps pose a unique challenge. Advances in endoscopic techniques have allowed for more thorough rectal adenoma detection and removal; however, there remains a concern over piecemeal resection and negative resection margins. Advances in transanal excision techniques, such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery, have been proposed for the removal of benign polyps as well as some early stage rectal cancers, with emphasis on proper patient selection. This review will discuss the current endoscopic and surgical considerations of both benign and malignant rectal polyps.