A Survey on the Interval of Post-polypectomy Surveillance Colonoscopy

Kang, Mun Su; Park, Dong Il; Park, Jung Ho; Kim, Hong Joo; Cho, Yong Kyun; Sohn, Chong Il; Jeon, Woo Kyu; Kim, Byung Ik

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Colonoscopy is the golden standard used as a surveillance test and screen for colon cancer, and the current demand for colonoscopy exceeds its availability. This study is an assessment of the colonoscopic surveillance intervals currently practiced.
METHODS
A multiple choice survey of the colonoscopic surveillance interval used in six case scenarios [hyperplastic polyp; two 0.5 cm tubular adenomas (TAs); a 1.5 cm TA; 0.8 cm triple TAs; a 1.5 cm TA with high grade dysplasia; current normal exam after polypectomy of a <1 cm sized TA 3 years ago] was sent via e-mail to members of the KASID.
RESULTS
A total of 131 colonoscopists (104 men, 27 women) replied, and the mean age of the respondents was 36 years (range 28~58). All respondents were board- certified in their respective specialties (internal medicine 75, general surgery 3, and GI subspecialty 53). When compared with the AGA guidelines, 90.1~99.2% of the respondents performed the first post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy prematurely, and 75.6% of respondents performed the second surveillance prematurely.
CONCLUSIONS
Most post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopies were performed prematurely. It is quite possible that unnecessary surveillance may account for a significant portion of the demand for colonoscopy.