Dealing with uncertainty: surveillance colonoscopy after polypectomy

Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Aug;102(8):1745-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01222.x.

Abstract

Post-polypectomy surveillance is often done sooner than guideline recommendations. This practice is driven by physician intolerance of uncertainty. The accompanying article by Brenner et al. supports the recommendation to wait 5 years or longer following adenoma removal before performing surveillance colonoscopy. This is particularly true for patients with 1 or 2 small adenomas. Unnecessarily aggressive post-polypectomy surveillance exposes patients to excessive risk of colonoscopy complications without clinical benefit. It also diverts colonoscopy resources away from the more valuable practice of primary screening.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / surgery
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Colonic Polyps / surgery*
  • Colonoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Time Factors