Tranexamic Acid to Prevent Bleeding After Endoscopic Resection of Large Colorectal Polyps: A Pilot Project
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2021-11-10
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Canada. Colonoscopy and removal of
precancerous polyps (polypectomy) reduces the incidence and mortality associated with
colorectal cancer. However, polypectomy is associated with adverse events. Post-polypectomy
bleeding has a significant impact on the life of the patient as it can require
hospitalization, transfusions, repeat colonoscopy and rarely death. It is also a substantial
cost to the health care system. There currently is no standard of care to prevent bleeding
after polypectomy.
Tranexamic acid reduces fibrinolysis by slowing down the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin
which may prevent bleeding. Although this medication is used extensively for other purposes,
it has not been studied before to prevent post-polypectomy bleeding.
This pilot study will examine factors involved in the feasibility of conducting a large-scale
randomized controlled trial (RCT). This pilot study will include 25 consecutive patients who
are treated with tranexamic acid after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large
non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCP's) to prevent PPDB.