RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Colonoscopy is a popular tool for screening for colon cancer throughout the world. The incidence of polypectomy and follow-up colonoscopy are persistently increasing but the studies about follow-up test after polypectomy are still lack of its domestic sources. This study is designed to look into the recurrence rate of colon polyps and risk factors after polypectomy. METHODS: This is a retrospective study by reviewing medical charts of 147 patients who underwent polypectomy and follow-up colonoscopy from Jan. 2000 to Mar. 2008. The Kudo classification was used to describe the polyps found in the colonoscopy. The follow-up period was defined as the term between polypectomy and the first colonoscopy follow up. RESULTS: Seventy six point two percent of the enrolled patient were male and the mean age was 56.5 +/- 8.1. Mean follow-up period was 24.9 +/- 13.7 (6 - 65) months. The cumulative recurrence rate of 1 year was 11.6%. The rate of 2 years was 36.7% and that of 3 years was 55.8%. The number of polyps was the factor which statistically showed significant relation of its recurrence rate. The histological morphology characteristic of polyps could be one independent factor which may be associated to the recurrence of polyps. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of colonoscopy follow up after polypectomy was clearly emphasized through the cumulative recurrence rate of 55.8%. Therefore, there is a need for more domestic studies with a large number of patients about the recurrence of polyps after polypectomy.