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Localization of colonic lesions with endoscopic tattoo

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  • Published:
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

PURPOSE: Intraoperative localization of small tumors or polypectomy sites is frequently a difficult problem. In addition, the distance measured from the anus to the lesion by the endoscopist can be inaccurate. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the utility of India ink tattoo injection as a preoperative marking technique before colon surgery. METHODS: Colonic lesions were marked at preoperative colonoscopy, by multiple, small-volume injections of sterile India ink using a sclerotherapy needle, adjacent to the lesion. RESULTS: This technique was used in 14 patients with colonic carcinoma or villous adenoma not amenable to polypectomy. There was excellent intraoperative localization of the lesion in 11 patients. The complication rate was 7 percent. CONCLUSION: Colon tattoo allows precise localization of lesions with minimal risk at the time of resection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Divisions of Gastroenterology and General Surgery, Virginia Mason Clinic, Seattle, Washington

    V. Alin Botoman M.D., Michael Pietro M.D. & Richard C. Thirlby M.D.

Authors
  1. V. Alin Botoman M.D.
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  2. Michael Pietro M.D.
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  3. Richard C. Thirlby M.D.
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Additional information

Read at meeting of the Washington State Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, June 15 to 17, 1989.

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Botoman, V.A., Pietro, M. & Thirlby, R.C. Localization of colonic lesions with endoscopic tattoo. Dis Colon Rectum 37, 775–776 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02050141

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02050141

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