Studies have shown clearly that, in the absence of heredity syndromes, the progression from polyp to cancer (adenoma carcinoma sequence) occurs over many years. Thus, the timing of a follow-up surveillance colonoscopy should be determined based on the results of a previous high-quality colonoscopy. Typical colonoscopic surveillance following colon cancer surgery consists of a colonoscopy at one year; thereafter it should not typically exceed every 3 years following detection of an advanced polyp, or every 5 years following a normal exam or one showing small polyps. In Canada, there is both evidence of overuse of surveillance colonoscopy following colon cancer resection and, in areas, a limited availability of endoscopy resources.
Conditions: Colon Cancer Surgery
Diagnostic Tests: Colonoscopy, C Scope
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Sources
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