Colectomy for nonmalignant polyps (NMP) is common in the United States. We aimed to study the rate of colectomies performed for NMP and postoperative outcomes. We hypothesized that the annual colectomy rate for NMP is high despite the rare occurrence of invasive cancer found on final pathology.

We analyzed data from the ACS-NSQIP participant user file, colectomy module, from 2013 to 2019. Patients who underwent elective colectomy with a diagnosis of either NMP or colon cancer were included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, colectomy rates and trends over the study period, as well as 30-day postoperative complications and mortality rate were assessed.

67,921 colectomies were performed for the diagnosis of cancer or NMP [14,726 (19%) only NMP]. The postoperative overall morbidity was 21% and mortality was 0.5% (1% for patients older than 70). Only 489 (3.3%) of colectomies performed for NMP had cancer on final pathology. The percentage of colectomies performed for NMP decreased from 22% to 16% over the study period.

Colon resections for NMP are still common and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a low incidence of invasive cancer on final pathology. Advanced endoscopic interventions for NMP should be considered whenever possible and appropriate.