Development and validation of the SIMPLE endoscopic classification of diminutive and small colorectal polyps

Abstract Background Prediction of histology of small polyps facilitates colonoscopic treatment. The aims of this study were: 1) to develop a simplified polyp classification, 2) to evaluate its performance in predicting polyp histology, and 3) to evaluate the reproducibility of the classification by trainees using multiplatform endoscopic systems. Methods In phase 1, a new simplified endoscopic classification for polyps – Simplified Identification Method for Polyp Labeling during Endoscopy (SIMPLE) – was created, using the new I-SCAN OE system (Pentax, Tokyo, Japan), by eight international experts. In phase 2, the accuracy, level of confidence, and interobserver agreement to predict polyp hi…