Thirty-year compliance with a surveillance program for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis is an inherited genetic disorder responsible for multiple anomalies. Lifelong surveillance protocols are essential to detect and prevent adverse developments. However, limited data exist regarding the long-term feasibility of such programs. This study aims to evaluate the compliance with a surveillance program for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The study collated data from all patients who underwent surgery between January 1981 and December 1993, excluding non-French residents. Recorded characteristics included medical history, follow-up results, the indications for operations or other procedures, outcomes of these interventions, and patient status at the end of the follow-up period. One hundred and sixty-four patients were enrolled, comprising 86 females (52.4%). The median age at the time of colorectal resection was 29.6 years [10-67]. Thirty-six (22.0%) were diagnosed with cancer at the time of their surgery. Fifty-eight patients (35.3%) passed away at a median age of 52 years [18-95]. During the follow-up period, 47 patients developed duodenal or reservoir adenomas requiring invasive procedures, or desmoid tumors necessitating treatment. After a possible 30 years of follow-up, 49 survivors (46.2%) are still under observation, while 57 (53.8%) have been lost to follow-up. After 30 years of follow-up, the survival rate was 74.2% for patients who remained under observation, but only 58.2% for those lost to follow-up. Long-term follow-up of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis is associated with a high rate of loss to follow-up. However, those who remain under observation maintain an excellent prognosis. Understanding the reasons for loss to follow-up is challenging but may help in reducing this high attrition rate.