[Ilyo Shinmun] As the incidence of polyps detected during colonoscopies rises, there is growing interest in medical systems that integrate examination and treatment into a single, continuous process. Amidst this trend, a "one-stop system" that allows for polyp removal on the same day as the examination is being introduced in clinical settings.

Most colon polyps are asymptomatic and are typically discovered incidentally during routine colonoscopies. Under conventional screening protocols, even if a polyp is detected during the procedure, a separate visit is often required for its removal—limiting the initial appointment to diagnosis only. This process has drawn criticism for imposing an unnecessary burden on patients in terms of both time and physical strain.

To alleviate these inconveniences, the "One-Stop System" integrates the entire process: after undergoing a preliminary health assessment and preparation, the patient receives a colonoscopy, and if a polyp is detected, the medical team performs a polypectomy (removal) immediately during the same procedure. A key feature of this approach is the seamless continuity between diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Baek Seung-hyuk, Director of the Yonsei Future IFC Medical Checkup Center, explained, “This system aims to reduce the burden of repeated visits and streamline the process of diagnosing colorectal cancer and performing polypectomies. It enhances accessibility to care compared to conventional methods that require additional appointments or scheduling adjustments based on test results.” He added, “It offers practical convenience, particularly for office workers or the elderly, for whom making return visits can be difficult.”

The system also strengthens the link between diagnosis and treatment by allowing medical staff to assess the size, shape, and location of polyps in real-time during the procedure and select the appropriate removal method. However, not all polyps are eligible for same-day removal; in some cases, staged treatment is required depending on factors such as polyp size, the risk of bleeding, and the patient's overall health condition.

Following polyp removal, a period of observation and post-procedure care is required to monitor for potential complications such as bleeding or perforation. The "one-stop" system incorporates these management protocols, providing patients with post-procedure instructions and arranging for follow-up monitoring.

As society ages, the demand for the management of colorectal diseases continues to rise. In clinical practice, approaches such as the same-day colon polyp removal "one-stop" system are being adopted as a solution to eliminate redundancies in the diagnostic and treatment processes and to establish a more systematic workflow for managing colorectal diseases.