What Should Be The Follw-up Intervals Of Colonoscopy After The Removal Of Polyps?

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Sat, 7 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a colonoscopy yesterday and they removed 5 polyps. I understand results will be available 3-4 weeks on the nature of them, hopefully to ensure not cancerous. The doctor has suggested a repeat process in 3 years. All that makes sense but he also wants me to visit him in 10-12 weeks. why is that ? I just got these forms after the procedure so not sure why that is and is that something I should worry about. does it mean that I wont get results for that time ? is it that he is worried about something ?
as background I get 2 physicals per year, one with my GP and one through my work. both include blood work, prostate exam and I do the stool sample test each year, which was negative last month.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He wants to make sure all the polyps have been removed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am happy to hear that you keep doing medical examination. Thus, it would be much easier to prevent the onset of serious or chronic diseases.

As in case of polyps, they are often a precursor of colon tumors/cancer. Actually, they are benign in nature and unfortunately, they can be repeated over time. That's why your doctor advised to repeat colonsocopy after 3 years.

You already got 5 polyps removed, and your doctor wants to make sure no other polyps are present. Perhaps, there might have been other small polyps that could not remove this time and see their progress in 12 weeks. That's why he schedule another visit in 12 weeks.

I do not see anything worrisome in here as long as blood work and other tests resulted fine except for polyps that were removed.

Hope the biopsy result will not be positive for malign pathologies.
All the best!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (20 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply. How at the 12 week mark would he be able to check progress or fo you mean another full colonoscopy would be booked well prior to the 3 years

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Colonoscopy is usually scheduled to check the progress...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Usually, in my clinic, during my work with GI specialists, we usually schedule another colonoscopy 12 weeks after the removal of polyps in case we note that there are a few other tiny polyps that we were not able to remove them.

So, most probably, another colonoscopy is advised in 12 weeks time for further evaluation and comparison of changes in both examinations and biopsy report.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Thank you. I know the results will have to speak for themselves but it sounds like nothing out of the ordinary and the blood tests from each medical and the stool test are good early indicators

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I too think there is nothing worrisome

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

I too think that everything is fine based on your reports. That's why I said earlier there is nothing to worry about.

Have patience until waiting the good results.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance!
Thank you.
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar