ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the colonoscopy surveillance in colorectal cancer patients after surgical removal of the tumor.Methods From June 1986 to June 2007,2762 asymptomatic patients who had underwent operation for colorectal cancer were put into colonoscopy surveillance.They had the first examination 3-6 months after the operation,and were re-examined once a year thereafter for 3 years.The follow-up findings were compared with those from the 218 symptomatic patients who had colorectal cancer surgery from September 1981 to May 1986.Results In 2762 asymptomatic patients,48 cases of multiple primary cancer were detected,in which 39 cases(1.4%) were found at one examination and 9 cases(0.3%)at different examination.The TNM staging of these lesions included stage Ⅰ in 6,stage Ⅱ in 31 and stage Ⅲ in 11.During the surveillance,583 cases(21.1%) of adenoma were detected and endoscopically resected,in which 17(3.2%) were invasive early cancer and 58(9.9%) were high grade dysplasia.In 218 patients with symptoms,29 cases(13.3%) of adenoma and 27 cases( 12.4%) of cancer were detected,including 4 cases of stage Ⅰ cancer,6 of stage Ⅱ and 16 of stage Ⅲ.Conclusion Colonoscopy surveillance in colorectal cancer patients after surgery is important in finding precancerous lesion and early stage cancer,and is recommended in all patients.