Compliance with follow-up guidelines after high-risk colorectal polyp removal: a population-based study

After high-risk colorectal adenoma removal, colorectal cancer risk remains higher than that in the general population. Depending on polyp characteristics, a 3-month or 3-year follow-up colonoscopy is recommended, and clear follow-up instructions must be given to the patient. Our primary aim was to evaluate compliance with French follow-up recommendations. Second, we evaluated the impact of how the information was given and if patients actually underwent their control colonoscopy according to the instructions given.

We collected data from the Burgundy polyp population-based registry and medical records from the endoscopy centers of the area. Between June 30, 2014 and July 1, 2015, 405 patients were included in this study.

Written follow-up instructions were provided to 345 patients (85.2%), and 184 of them (53.3%) complied with guidelines. For 29.9% the interval to follow-up colonoscopy was longer than recommended, and for 6.4% the interval was shorter. Among the 303 patients who had clear follow-up instructions, 42.2% had their control colonoscopy and 83.6% respected the stipulated interval. Follow-up instructions were found in the colonoscopy report in at least 49% of cases.

Compliance with follow-up guidelines was poor: Inappropriate intervals were often longer than recommended. Patients with written follow-up instructions and those who underwent follow-up colonoscopy mostly followed these instructions. Ensuring compliance with guidelines and giving written instructions to patients should be primary goals to achieve effective follow-up. Gastroenterologist training should be improved in this way.