ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

What year-to-year follow-up is typically recommended after a polypectomy in patients with a good prognosis?

1. 1 year

2. 5 years

3. 10 years

4. 15 years

The correct answer is: 5 years

A follow-up of five years is generally recommended after a polypectomy in patients with a good prognosis. This recommendation is based on evidence from clinical guidelines that suggest a five-year interval is appropriate for surveillance colonoscopy in individuals who have had adenomatous polyps removed, especially if those polyps are not high-risk (such as those that are large or contain certain pathologic features). This five-year monitoring allows clinicians to effectively assess the recurrence of polyps and to monitor for potential developments that could lead to colorectal cancer. For patients with a good prognosis, which typically includes those with low-risk polyps, a five-year interval strikes a balance between ensuring adequate surveillance and not overwhelming the healthcare system with unnecessary procedures. Longer intervals, such as ten or fifteen years, may be considered in low-risk populations after a clear surveillance history, but the five-year mark is a widely accepted standard for regular monitoring post-polypectomy.