Should You Get Another Colonoscopy After Removing a Polyp?

Q: Should You Get Another Colonoscopy After Removing a Polyp?

Hello Candy： If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, regular surveillance of the colon is recommended for early detection and treatment. <br>For individuals without any risk factors, surveillance can be done every five years after initial normal results. <br>In the mea

Should a colonoscopy be performed?

Two years ago, after a fecal occult blood test during a community health screening, I underwent a colonoscopy which revealed a small polyp that was removed.
The doctor advised me to return for another colonoscopy in a year, but I haven't gone back due to being busy and a bit fearful.
However, over the past year, I have had fecal occult blood tests every six months, all of which were normal, and I have not experienced any unusual bowel movements.
Should I go for another colonoscopy?

kāndī, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/09

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Candy: If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, regular surveillance of the colon is recommended for early detection and treatment.
For individuals without any risk factors, surveillance can be done every five years after initial normal results.
In the meantime, a stool test should be performed at least once a year.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Chen Shidian.

Reply Date: 2006/03/09

More Info

After having a polyp removed during a colonoscopy, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding the need for subsequent colonoscopies. The general recommendation is that individuals who have had polyps removed should undergo regular surveillance colonoscopies to monitor for any new polyps or changes in the colon that could indicate a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

In your case, since you had a small polyp removed two years ago, it is advisable to follow the guidelines set forth by your physician. Typically, if a patient has had a low-risk adenomatous polyp removed, the recommendation may be to have a follow-up colonoscopy in three to five years. However, if the polyp was more advanced or if there were multiple polyps, the follow-up interval could be shorter, often around one year or three years, depending on the specific circumstances.

The fact that you have been performing fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) every six months and have had normal results is reassuring, but it does not replace the need for a colonoscopy. FOBT is a screening tool that can help detect blood in the stool, which may indicate the presence of polyps or cancer, but it is not as comprehensive as a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows for direct visualization of the colon and the opportunity to remove any new polyps that may have developed since your last procedure.

Moreover, it is important to consider that polyps can develop without causing any symptoms, and many individuals may not experience any changes in bowel habits or other signs that would prompt them to seek further evaluation. Therefore, even if you feel well and have had normal stool tests, it is still crucial to adhere to the recommended surveillance schedule.

If you have concerns about undergoing another colonoscopy due to anxiety or fear, it may be helpful to discuss these feelings with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with information about the procedure, its benefits, and what to expect, which may help alleviate some of your apprehensions. Additionally, sedation options are available to make the procedure more comfortable.

In summary, while your normal FOBT results are encouraging, they do not eliminate the need for a follow-up colonoscopy after polyp removal. It is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding the timing of your next colonoscopy based on the type of polyp that was removed and your overall risk factors for colorectal cancer. Regular surveillance is a critical component of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. Please reach out to your healthcare provider to schedule your next colonoscopy and ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to maintain your gastrointestinal health.

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