Right-Sizing Colonoscopy Surveillance Recommendations

Abstract

An astounding 16.6 million colonoscopies are performed annually in the United States.1 About 20% (3.2 million) of these examinations are surveillance procedures 2 largely prompted by the finding of adenomas on a previous colonoscopy. Recent improvements in colonoscopy techniques and the emphasis on adenoma detection rate presumably will increase the identification of adenomas, with an even greater need for surveillance colonoscopies in the future. This highlights the importance of conducting postpolypectomy surveillance colonoscopies at appropriate intervals not only to enhance the effectiveness of colon-cancer-prevention programs but also to minimize unnecessary procedures given finite resources and procedural risks.