Outcomes of repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer.

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in endoscopic treatment, many colonic adenomas are still referred for surgical resection. There is a paucity of data on the suitability of these lesions for endoscopic treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of routine repeat colonoscopy in patients referred for surgical resection of colon polyps without biopsy-proven cancer.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients referred to a colorectal surgeon for surgical resection of a polyp without biopsy-proven cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Repeat colonoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The rate of successful endoscopic treatment.

RESULTS

There were 38 lesions in 36 patients; 71% of the lesions were noncancerous and were successfully treated endoscopically. In 26% of the lesions, previous removal was attempted by the referring physician but was unsuccessful. The adenoma recurrence rate was 50%, but all recurrences were treated endoscopically and none were cancerous. Two patients were admitted for overnight observation. There were no major adverse events.

LIMITATIONS

Single center, retrospective.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of biopsy-proven invasive cancer, it is appropriate to reevaluate patients referred for surgical resection by repeat colonoscopy at an expert center.