Could endoscopies have harmful implications?

This study evaluated the effect of endoscopic procedures on subsequent surgical outcomes.

Most colorectal cancers start as small polyps; an abnormal growth of tissue that starts in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Although most polyps are not malignant, some represent early stage cancer, and early removal of a polyp is crucial in preventing life-threatening cancer.
Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure which can be used to examine the digestive tract, employing a long flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (an endoscope). Surgical devices can also be passed through the endoscope in order to remove polyps seen during the examination.
The discussion on whether surgery or endoscopy is the most adequate treatment of early colorectal cancer polyps is ongoing. One question raised in the debate refers to whether or not previous endoscopic treatment could have an adverse effect on subsequent surgeries if needed.

This study evaluated a total of 66 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery following an endoscopic procedure to remove early cancerous polyps. The surgical outcomes of these patients were compared to a control group consisting of 151 patients, whom underwent colorectal cancer surgery without prior endoscopic treatment.
After analysis, no significant differences were found between the two groups in regards to surgical adverse effects, cancer outcomes or mortality.

This study concluded that endoscopic treatment of malignant polyps does not worsen future surgical outcomes in the case of subsequent surgeries.

The study analyzed only a small number of surgeries following endoscopic procedures. Results should be verified in larger studies.