Objective: To address various issues concerning the fate of residual fragments (and the patients carrying them), their detection, and current and future techniques to avoid them.
Methods: Narrative overview of the all relevant articles retrieved from Pubmed research together with the experiences of personal practice was conducted.
Results: Clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRFs) are defined as asymptomatic, non-obstructing residual fragments smaller than 4 mm (1.6-8) or 5 mm. CIRFs can be diagnosed with either direct endoscopic vision or using imaging modalities including ultrasonography and computerized tomography. Although ultrasonography is radiation-free, the sensitivity and specificity is relatively low when compared to non-contrast computerized tomography.
Conclusion: The best and the easiest way to deal with residual fragments is preventing their occurrence. Although asymptomatic residual fragments can be safely followed up, symptomatic fragments should be promptly treated. Several modifications and modalities are currently available to treat the fragments occurring after different treatment options.