Guidelines for Colonoscopy Surveillance After Screening and Polypectomy: A Consensus Update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer

Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) in asymptomatic patients can reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. In the United States, colonoscopy has become the most commonly used screening test. Adenomatous polyps are the most common neoplasm found during CRC screening. There is evidence that detection and removal of these cancer precursor lesions may prevent many cancers and reduce mortality.1 Howver, patients who have adenomas are at increased risk for eveloping metachronous adenomas or cancer compared with atients without adenomas. There is new evidence that some atients may develop cancer within 3–5 years of colonoscopy nd polypectomy—so-called interval cancers. Ideally, screening and surveillance intervals should be ased on evidence showing that interval examinations preent interval cancers and cancer-related mortality. We have ocused on the interval diagnosis of advanced adenomas as surrogate marker for the more serious end point of cancer ncidence or mortality. In 2006, the United States Multiociety Task Force (MSTF) on CRC issued a guideline on ostpolypectomy surveillance,2 which updated a prior 1997 guideline. A key principle of the 2006 guideline was risk stratification of patients based on the findings at the baseline colonoscopy. The surveillance schema identified 2 major risk groups based on the likelihood of developing advanced neoplasia during surveillance: (1) low-risk adenomas (LRAs), defined as 1–2 tubular adenomas 10 mm, and (2) high-risk adenomas (HRAs), defined as adenoma with villous histology, high-grade dysplasia (HGD), 10 mm, or 3 or more denomas. The task force also published recommendations or follow-up after resection of CRC.3 More recently, the British Society of Gastroenterology updated their 2002 surveillance guideline in 2010.4 Their risk stratification differs from the US guideline, dividing patients into 3 groups: low risk (1–2 adenomas 10 mm), intermediate risk (3–4 small adenomas or one 10 mm), nd high risk ( 5 small adenomas or 3 with at least one 10 mm). They recommend that the high-risk group unergo surveillance at 1 year because of concerns about issed lesions at baseline. US guidelines place emphasis on erforming a high-quality baseline examination. In 2008, the STF published screening guidelines for CRC, which inluded recommendations for the interval for repeat colonocopy after negative findings on baseline examination.5 New issues have emerged since the 2006 guideline, including risk of interval CRC, proximal CRC, and the role of serrated polyps in colon carcinogenesis. New evidence suggests that adherence to prior guidelines is poor. The task force now issues an updated set of surveillance recommendations. During the past 6 years, new evidence has emerged that endorses and strengthens the 2006 recommendations. We believe that a stronger evidence base will improve adherence to the guidelines. The 2012 guidelines are summarized in Table 1 and are based on risk stratification principles used in the 2006 guideline. The ensuing discussion reviews the new evidence that supports these guidelines. This guideline does not address surveillance after colonoscopic or surgical resection of a malignant polyp.