BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the risk factors of complications after small-intestinal polypectomy by single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE), and to assess the value of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and the max polyp diameter (Dmax) in predicting postoperative complications of small-intestinal polypectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between April 2017 and April 2018, clinical data from 37 patients who underwent small-intestinal polypectomy were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven small-intestinal polypectomy procedures (18 oral and 19 anal) were carried out in 37 patients (M: F 20: 17; age 35.6±13.0 years). A total of 1081 small-intestine polyps were removed. Three patients (8.1%) had bleeding and 3 patients (8.1%) had perforation after small-intestinal polypectomy. Based on multivariate logistic analysis, CRP [1.104 (95% CI 1.022–1.191)] was the only risk factor for complications among the patients. According to the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, CRP (27.5 mg/L), Dmax (3.5 cm), and the combination of CRP + Dmax appear to be predictive factors for complications after small-intestinal polypectomy.

CONCLUSIONS: SBE is an effective endoscopic tool for patients with small-intestinal polyps. CRP, Dmax, and the combination of CRP+Dmax may be potential predictors of complications from small-intestinal polypectomy.

Keywords: C-Reactive Protein, Intestine, Small, Postoperative Complications