Colonoscopy and endoscopic therapy for delayed post-polypectomy hemorrhage.

Nine consecutive patients in whom endoscopic management of delayed post-polypectomy hemorrhage was attempted are described. Each patient presented with active rectal bleeding 12 hours to 12 days after snare resection of a colon polyp. In each patient, repeat colonoscopy identified the bleeding site and various combinations of injection therapy, electrocautery, or thermal injury led to cessation of hemorrhage. No complications resulted from repeat colonoscopy and endoscopic therapy. Colonoscopy and endoscopic therapy is feasible, effective, and safe in selected patients with active delayed post-polypectomy hemorrhage.