Post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy: are we following the guidelines?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal polyps are frequently detected during colonoscopy.
• Post-polypectomy surveillance via endoscopy is crucial for patient management.
• International guidelines provide standardized recommendations for follow-up intervals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adherence of Israeli gastroenterologists to established international guidelines for post-polypectomy surveillance.
• To identify potential discrepancies in recommended follow-up intervals after colon polyp removal.

Main Methods:

• A web-based questionnaire comprising 30 items was distributed to Israeli gastroenterologists.
• The questionnaire assessed recommendations for post-polypectomy surveillance following colonoscopy procedures.
• 112 gastroenterologists (23% of the total) participated in the survey.

Main Results:

• 57.4% of the gastroenterologists' recommendations aligned with current European post-polypectomy guidelines.
• 37.2% of recommendations suggested follow-up colonoscopy intervals shorter than guideline-specified.
• Younger gastroenterologists (<45 years) demonstrated greater adherence, particularly for piecemeal or high-risk adenoma polypectomies.

Conclusions:

• Gastroenterologists exhibit partial adherence to international post-polypectomy surveillance guidelines.
• A significant proportion of recommendations deviate from guidelines, often suggesting earlier follow-up.
• Physician age appears to influence adherence to surveillance protocols.