[Surveillance of patients after colonoscopic polypectomy and curative resection of colorectal cancer]

The position paper of the GastrointestinaL Oncology Section of the Israeli Gastroenterological Association recommends specific guidelines for surveillance after polypectomy and curative resection of colorectal cancer. Periodic colonoscopy is necessary for early detection of metachronous lesions or cancer recurrence. After polypectomy of a simple hyperplasic polyp, colonoscopy is repeated in 10 years. Small adenoma dictates colonoscopy after 5-10 years. In the case of advanced adenoma, repeat coLonoscopy is to be conducted after 3 years. The personal impression of the colonoscopists may advance procedures to an earlier colonoscopy, especially after piecemeal polypectomy of a large sessile polyp. Fecal occult blood test or any other screening procedures are not needed after polypectomy. Colonoscopy, carcinoembrionic antigen examination (CEA) and liver imaging are necessary for surveillance after curative resection of colorectal cancer, and improve survival. Total colonoscopy should be performed before the operation or in cases with obstructive carcinoma, colonic imaging should be completed with virtual colonoscopy. Total colonoscopy should be performed 3-6 months after surgery if not conducted previously. The next follow-up is needed 3 and 5 years after the operation. After low anterior resection, the recurrence rate may be high and patients who have not undergone radiation therapy nor mesorectal resection should undergo sigmoidoscopy every 3-6 months for 2-3 years after surgery.