[The recurrence rate of colon polyp after polypectomy and the interval of surveillance colonoscopy: predictors of early development of advanced polyp].
OBJECTIVE
Surveillance of individuals with colon polyps is important for the prevention of colon cancer, and its interval is based on the clinical status. Our aims were to determine the recurrence rate of advanced polyp after polypectomy and estimate the adequate interval of surveillance colonoscopy as well as the risk factors of recurrence in Korea.


METHODS
Ninety-seven patients who underwent follow-up colonoscopy after initial colonoscopic polypectomy were retrospectively studied. All polyps were endoscopically removed with electrocautery.


RESULTS
Mean number of initial polyps were 2.2 and advanced polyps were observed in 40% of the patients. The cumulative recurrence rate of colon polyp was 13.8% within 1 year, and 60% within 3 years, while that of advanced polyps was 2.5% and 31% within 1 and 3 years, respectively. The significant difference was noted according to the initial polyp number in both overall and advanced polyp recurrence rate. The age at the diagnosis of colon polyps was a significant factor only in overall polyp recurrence rate. Patients who initially had one polyp showed 15% of advanced polyp recurrence within 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Recurrence of advanced polyp is very rare within one year after polypectomy. Patients with single polyp have low risk and thus, their surveillance may be delayed beyond the standard 3 years. When surveillance colonoscopy is to be performed for the patients with 2 or more polyps, initial polyp number and age should be considered.
Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea.
Jin Bae
JB
Kim
Dong Soo
DS
Han
Hang Lak
HL
Lee
Jong Pyo
JP
Kim
Yong Chul
YC
Jeon
Joo Hyun
JH
Sohn
Joon Soo
JS
Hahm
D000368:Aged; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence