Episode 59. The malignant polyp with Mr Hanumant Chouhan

The detection of colorectal polyps is of critical importance in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Studies have demonstrated that colorectal cancer arises from colorectal polyps in more than 95% of cases. Fortunately most polyps do not become malignant (less than 1%) and it is known that less than 5% of all colonic adenomas harbour malignancy. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has been a government initiative to assist in the detection of early cancers and malignant polyps through the detection of occult haemoglobin in stool and some larger clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of screening population this way. Once a malignant polyp is determined colonoscopically a fresh set of questions arises in regards to best management practice.

To discuss this topic of malignant polyps in more detail we are joined by expert colorectal surgeon Hanumant Chouhan, who covers:

· Detection of malignant polyps

· Surgical decisions to progress to resection vs relying on endoscopic removal

· Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)

I am most grateful for his expert review of this subject. Please join me for this interesting conversation.

Useful references are:

- www.sjog.org.au

- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

- www.surgery.wisc.edu

To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.