Argon Plasma Coagulation

The image and the video clip display a diminutive polyp that was removed with coagulation, using argon plasma coagulator (APC). Small sessile polyps are resected, using several different techniques, including hot and cold biopsy (with and without cautery), hot or cold minisnare, or cold biopsy followed by fulgeration with a monopolar or bipolar electrode. The monopolar hot biopsy forceps should be used with great caution in the thin-walled right colon. There have been reported perforations and a relatively high rate of delayed bleeding using this device. When using any type of cautery probe in the right colon, it is important to apply low-power cautery cautiously without pressing the tip of the probe into the bowel wall. Even modest pressure can thin out the wall and increase the chance of perforation.