Development of pancreatic diseases during long-term follow-up after acute pancreatitis: a post-hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: More insight into the incidence of and factors associated with progression following a first episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) would offer opportunities for improvements in disease management and patient counseling. METHODS: A long-term post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort of patients with AP (2008-2015) was performed. Primary endpoints were recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), and pancreatic cancer. Cumulative incidence calculations and risk analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 1184 patients with a median follow-up of 9 years (IQR: 7-11) were included. RAP and CP occurred in 301 patients (25%) and 72 patients (6%), with the highest incidences observed for alcoholic pancreatitis (40% and 22%). Pancreatic cancer was diagnosed in 14 patients (1%). Predictive factors for RAP were alcoholic and idiopathic pancreatitis (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.51-4.82 and OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.40-3.02), and no pancreatic interventions (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.10-3.01). Non-biliary etiology (alcohol: OR 5.24, 95% CI 1.94-14.16, idiopathic: OR 4.57, 95% CI 2.05-10.16, and other: OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.11-7.94), RAP (OR 4.93, 95% CI 2.84-8.58), prior pancreatic interventions (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.20-8.02), smoking (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.14-4.78), and male sex (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.05-4.05) were independently associated with CP. CONCLUSION: Disease progression was observed in a quarter of pancreatitis patients. We identified several risk factors that may be helpful to devise personalized strategies with the intention to reduce the impact of disease progression in patients with AP.

Longitudinal changes of serum protein N-Glycan levels for earlier detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk individuals.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of individuals at risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the potential to improve survival, yet early detection based on solely imaging modalities is challenging. We aimed to identify changes in serum glycosylation levels over time to earlier detect PDAC in high-risk individuals. METHODS: Individuals with a hereditary predisposition to develop PDAC were followed in two surveillance programs. Those, of which at least two consecutive serum samples were available, were included. Mass spectrometry analysis was performed to determine the total N-glycome for each consecutive sample. Potentially discriminating N-glycans were selected based on our previous cross-sectional analysis and relative abundances were calculated for each glycosylation feature. RESULTS: 165 individuals ("FPC-cohort" N = 119; Leiden cohort N = 46) were included. In total, 97 (59%) individuals had a genetic predisposition (77 CDKN2A, 15 BRCA1/2, 5 STK11) and 68 (41%) a family history of PDAC without a known genetic predisposition (>10-fold increased risk of developing PDAC). From each individual, a median number of 3 serum samples (IQR 3) was collected. Ten individuals (6%) developed PDAC during 35 months of follow-up; nine (90%) of these patients carried a CDKN2A germline mutation. In PDAC cases, compared to all controls, glycosylation characteristics were increased (fucosylation, tri- and tetra-antennary structures, specific sialic linkage types), others decreased (complex-type diantennary and bisected glycans). The largest change over time was observed for tri-antennary fucosylated glycans, which were able to differentiate cases from controls with a specificity of 92%, sensitivity of 49% and accuracy of 90%. CONCLUSION: Serum N-glycan monitoring may support early detection in a pancreas surveillance program.

Rapid on-site evaluation during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes does not increase diagnostic yield: A randomized, multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on the impact of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of lymph nodes are retrospective and have shown conflicting results. We aimed to compare the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of lymph nodes with ROSE (ROSE+) and without ROSE (ROSE-). METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Consecutive patients who were scheduled to undergo EUS-FNA of mediastinal or abdominal lymph nodes were randomized to ROSE+ or ROSE-. In the ROSE+ group, the number of passes was dictated by the on-site cytotechnician. In the ROSE- group, five passes were performed without interference from the cytotechnician. All samples were reviewed by a single-expert cytopathologist, blinded to group allocation. Primary endpoint was diagnostic yield with and without ROSE. RESULTS: After inclusion of 90 patients, interim analysis showed futility of study continuation since diagnostic yield of ROSE+ and ROSE- were comparable. A total of 91 patients were randomized to ROSE+ (N = 45) or ROSE- (N = 46). Diagnostic yield of ROSE+ and ROSE- and diagnostic accuracy were comparable: 93.3% vs. 95.7% (P = 0.68) and 97.6% vs. 93.2% (P = 0.62), respectively. Two major complications (one per group) occurred (p = 0.99). ROSE- patients more often reported self-limiting post-procedural pain (p < 0.001). Median procedure time for ROSE+ (20 min) and ROSE- (23 min) was comparable (P = 0.06). Median time to review slides in the ROSE- group (12:47 min) was longer than with ROSE+ (7:52 min) (P < 0.001). Mean costs of ROSE- and ROSE+ were comparable: €938.29 (±172.70) vs. €945.98 (±223.38) (P = 0.91), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic yield and accuracy of EUS-FNA of mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes with and without ROSE are comparable. Time needed to review slides was shorter and post-procedural pain was less often reported in the ROSE+ group. Based on the primary outcome, the implementation of ROSE during EUS-FNA of mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes cannot be advised. (Dutch Trial Register: NTR4876).

Metal or plastic stents for preoperative biliary drainage in resectable pancreatic cancer.

INTRODUCTION: In pancreatic cancer, preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) increases complications compared with surgery without PBD, demonstrated by a recent randomised controlled trial (RCT). This outcome might be related to the plastic endoprosthesis used. Metal stents may reduce the PBD-related complications risk. METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study was performed including patients with obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic cancer, scheduled to undergo PBD before surgery. This cohort was added to the earlier RCT (ISRCTN31939699). The RCT protocol was adhered to, except PBD was performed with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS). This FCSEMS cohort was compared with the RCT's plastic stent cohort. PBD-related complications were the primary outcome. Three-group comparison of overall complications including early surgery patients was performed. RESULTS: 53 patients underwent PBD with FCSEMS compared with 102 patients treated with plastic stents. Patients' characteristics did not differ. PBD-related complication rates were 24% in the FCSEMS group vs 46% in the plastic stent group (relative risk of plastic stent use 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.2, p=0.011). Stent-related complications (occlusion and exchange) were 6% vs 31%. Surgical complications did not differ, 40% vs 47%. Overall complication rates for the FCSEMS, plastic stent and early surgery groups were 51% vs 74% vs 39%. CONCLUSIONS: For PBD in pancreatic cancer, FCSEMS yield a better outcome compared with plastic stents. Although early surgery without PBD remains the treatment of choice, FCSEMS should be preferred over plastic stents whenever PBD is indicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Dutch Trial Registry (NTR3142).

First data on the Evolution duodenal stent for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (DUOLUTION study): a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Enteral stent placement has emerged as a safe and effective palliative treatment option for patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). In an attempt to further optimize this treatment new enteral stents have been designed. This study is the first to describe the results regarding technical success, clinical success, complication rate, and stent dysfunction of the Evolution duodenal stent (Cook Medical, Limerick, Ireland). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients with symptomatic malignant GOO were included in this prospective multicenter cohort study. All patients who successfully received an Evolution duodenal stent were followed until death. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates were 89 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 77 % - 95 %) and 72 % (95 %CI 58 % - 83 %), respectively. The GOO Scoring System score, the Global Health Score, and the EuroQol visual analog scale improved significantly (GOOSS and Global Health Score P < 0.0001; EuroQol P = 0.005) when scores before stenting were compared with scores after stent placement. Median survival was 87 days, and stent patency was observed in 67 % for up to 395 days, accounting for death unrelated to the stent as a competing risk. Stent dysfunction occurred in 14 patients (30 %) (stent ingrowth n = 9; stent migration n = 2; extrinsic compression on the stent n = 2; food impaction n = 1). CONCLUSION: These first data on the new Evolution duodenal stent show that it is safe and effective for the palliative treatment of symptomatic malignant GOO.

Intra-gastric balloon with lifestyle modification: a promising therapeutic option for overweight and obese patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Data on effects of intra-gastric balloon (IGB) on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are scarce, in part with contradictory results, and mainly obtained in tertiary care patients with diabetes and other comorbidities. We here explore effects of IGB in patients with MASLD referred to a first-line obesity clinic. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients with at least significant fibrosis (≥ F2) and/or severe steatosis (S3) according to screening transient elastography (FibroScan®) were offered a second FibroScan® after 6 months lifestyle modification with or without IGB (based on patient preference). RESULTS: 50 of 100 consecutively screened patients (generally non-diabetic) qualified for repeated evaluation and 29 (58%) of those had a second FibroScan®. At baseline, at least significant fibrosis was present in 28% and severe steatosis in 91%. IGB was placed in 19 patients (59%), whereas 10 patients (41%) preferred only lifestyle modification (no differences in baseline characteristics between both groups). After 6 months, liver stiffness decreased markedly in the IGB group (median: from 6.0 to 4.9 kPa, p = 0.005), but not in the lifestyle modification only group (median: from 5.5 to 6.9 kPa, p = 0.477). Steatosis improved in both groups, (controlled attenuation parameter values; IGB, mean ± SD: from 328 ± 34 to 272 ± 62 dB/m, p = 0.006: lifestyle modification only, mean ± SD: from 344 ± 33 to 305 ± 43 dB/m: p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Both steatosis and fibrosis improve markedly in overweight/obese patients with MASLD after 6 months IGB combined with lifestyle modification. Our results warrant further research into long-term effect of IGB in these patients.

Single and sequential biodegradable stent placement for refractory benign esophageal strictures: a prospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Although biodegradable stents do not require removal, a single biodegradable stent may only temporarily relieve dysphagia in patients with refractory benign esophageal stricture (RBES). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and long term efficacy of single and sequential biodegradable stent placement in patients with RBES. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent biodegradable stent placement for RBES between August 2008 and March 2011 were prospectively followed to evaluate recurrent dysphagia and complication rates. RESULTS: In total, 59 stents were placed in 28 patients. Patients had previously been treated with multiple dilations (n = 20) or multiple dilations and non-biodegradable esophageal stenting (n = 8). A total of 13 patients underwent sequential biodegradable stent placement (median 3, range 2 - 8) during the study period. After initial stent placement, the median dysphagia-free period was 90 days (range 14 - 618 days). Clinical success (absence of dysphagia ≥ 6 months after stent placement) was achieved in seven patients (25 %) and major complications occurred in eight patients (29 %). After placement of a second biodegradable stent, the median dysphagia-free period was 55 days (range 25 - 700 days) and clinical success was achieved in 15 % of patients. After placement of a third stent, the median dysphagia-free period was 106 days (range 90 - 150 days), but none of the patients was clinically dysphagia-free. CONCLUSION: Placement of a single biodegradable stent is only temporarily effective in the vast majority of patients with RBES treated in a tertiary referral center. Sequential stenting may however be an option to avoid serial dilations.

Factors influencing the miss rate of polyps in a back-to-back colonoscopy study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: In patients undergoing colonoscopy, 22 % - 28 % of polyps and 20 % - 24 % of adenomas are missed. It is unclear which factors contribute to polyp miss rates, but colorectal cancer detected within 3 years after colonoscopy may originate from missed lesions. The aim of the current study was to determine patient- and polyp-related factors that influence the miss rates of polyps and adenomas during colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 406 patients were obtained from a multicenter, randomized back-to-back colonoscopy study investigating the Third Eye Retroscope (TER) in improving polyp detection rate by visualizing hidden areas such as folds and curves. Patients were randomized to undergo standard colonoscopy followed by colonoscopy with TER, or vice versa. Miss rates were calculated for all polyps and adenomas. All lesions were categorized for size and location within the colon/rectum. Odds ratios (ORs) were computed using adjusted logistic regression models to identify factors independently associated with missed lesions. RESULTS: The miss rate was 25 % (150 /611) for all polyps and 26 % (90 /350) for adenomas. Miss rates were significantly lower (21 % vs. 29 %) in patients randomized to TER as the first procedure (P < 0.03). Taking all groups together, > 2 polyps compared with ≤ 2 polyps detected during the first colonoscopy increased the risk of missing additional polyps (adjusted OR = 2.83; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.22 - 6.70). Adenomas in the left colon compared with adenomas in the right colon were also more frequently missed (adjusted OR = 1.65; 95 %CI 1.06 - 2.58). CONCLUSIONS: A quarter of polyps were missed during colonoscopy. Physicians should be aware that the risk of missing a polyp is related to patient factors (presence of > 2 polyps) and polyp factors (left colon location).

Low impact of staging EUS for determining surgical resectability in esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have shown that EUS has a high sensitivity and specificity for T and N staging, the value of EUS for staging tumors as resectable or nonresectable after CT of the chest and abdomen and US neck assessment, is largely unknown. This study was designed to assess the diagnostic value of EUS for determining resectability of esophageal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent staging EUS, CT, and US. Tumors were considered resectable when there was no evidence of metastases or ingrowth in adjacent structures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive value of CT/US neck and CT/US neck + EUS for predicting surgical resectability were calculated. PPVs of CT/US alone and CT/US + EUS together were compared for assessing the diagnostic value of EUS. RESULTS: In total, 211 patients (155 men; mean age of 64 ± 9.4 years) were included, of which 176 (83 %) underwent all three staging investigations. Based on preoperative staging, 173 (82 %) patients were considered resectable and 38 (18 %) nonresectable. Of all 173 initially resectable patients, 145 were operated on. Of these patients, five (3.4 %) tumors were found nonresectable during surgery. Postoperative sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CT/US and CT/US + EUS for predicting surgical resectability were 88 versus 87 %, 20 versus 40 %, 97 versus 98 %, and 6 versus 10 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although EUS adds to the specificity of preoperative esophageal cancer staging after CT chest and abdomen, and US of the neck have been performed, the overall added value of EUS is limited.

Squamous cell carcinoma in Barrett's esophagus: field effect versus metastasis.

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition with an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Risk factors for EAC overlap with those for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but ESCC is surprisingly rare in BE. We report two cases of ESCC directly surrounded by BE. Both patients had a previous medical history of cancers, i.e., head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and were using alcohol and smoking tobacco. Using immunohistochemistry for p63, CK5, CK7, and CDX2, it was confirmed that these carcinomas were pure squamous cell carcinomas, and not EACs or esophageal adenosquamous carcinomas arising from BE. Using TP53 mutation and loss of heterozygosity analysis, we established that the ESCCs in BE were not metastases of the previously diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinomas but de novo primary ESCCs. This study shows the strength of molecular analysis as an adjunct to the histopathologic diagnosis for distinguishing between metastases of prior cancers and primary cancers. Furthermore, these cases imply that presence of BE is not protective with regards to developing ESCC in the lower one third of the esophagus. We suggest that their ESCCs arose from islets of squamous epithelium in BE.

Stent-in-stent technique for removal of embedded esophageal self-expanding metal stents.

OBJECTIVES: Partially covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are regularly used for malignant and occasionally for benign esophageal disorders. Safe removal of these stents can be challenging due to embedding of the uncovered stent ends. Our aim is to report the results of removal of embedded, partially covered SEMSs by induction of pressure necrosis using the stent-in-stent technique. METHODS: Consecutive patients referred to three endoscopy units in 2007-2009, treated by the stent-in-stent technique, were reviewed. The partially covered SEMSs were inserted for malignant (n=3) or benign (n=16) conditions and were left in situ for a median of 42 days (14-189). When SEMSs were found to be embedded, a fully covered self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) or fully covered SEMS was placed inside the partially uncovered SEMS. Subsequent removal of both stents was planned after a period of 10-14 days. RESULTS: In total, 23 stent-in-stent procedures were performed in 19 patients (10 males). Placement of a fully covered stent (SEPS: n=9 and SEMS: n=14) was technically successful in all patients. In 21 of 23 (91%) procedures, both stents were successfully removed in one procedure after a median of 12 days (5-18). In two patients, a repeat stent-in-stent procedure was needed for persistent embedding of the partially uncovered SEMSs. One (5%) procedure was complicated by severe bleeding, which could be treated endoscopically. In seven (36%) patients, the initial disorder had resolved after stent removal and no further endoscopic interventions were needed. Two (10%) patients were treated with chemoradiation or surgery for esophageal cancer after stent removal. In 10 (53%) patients, a repeat endoscopic intervention was required during follow-up because of progressive dysphagia or a persisting leak or fistula. CONCLUSIONS: The stent-in-stent technique is safe and effective for the removal of partially covered SEMSs that are embedded in the esophageal wall.

Esophageal perforation due to removal of partially covered self-expanding metal stents placed for a benign perforation or leak.

Benign esophageal perforations and anastomotic leaks can be effectively managed by stent placement. However, when partially covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are used, safe removal may be complicated. In this case series, we evaluated the complicated removal of SEMS placed for a benign esophageal perforation or leak in four patients. In all patients a partially covered SEMS was placed. After a median stent time of 29 days (range 21 - 30), the SEMS were found to have become embedded in the esophageal wall. Endoscopic removal resulted in perforation in all patients. All patients recovered uneventfully, although one patient underwent esophagectomy. If uncovered SEMS ends become embedded, removal of the stent may cause major damage to the esophageal wall. It is therefore recommended to remove embedded partially covered SEMS only after first placing a fully covered SEMS or self-expanding plastic stent inside this stent to necrotize the ingrown tissue at the uncovered stent ends.

Colonoscopic surveillance improves survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopic surveillance provides the best practical means for preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Strong evidence for improved survival from surveillance programmes is sparse. METHOD: The aim of this study was to compare tumour stage and survival of IBD patients with CRC who were a part of a surveillance programme with those who were not. A nationwide pathology database (PALGA (pathologisch anatomisch landelijk geautomatiseerd archief)) was consulted to identify IBD patients with CRC treated in all eight university hospitals in The Netherlands over a period of 15 years. Patients were assigned to the surveillance group when they had undergone one or more surveillance colonoscopies before a diagnosis of CRC. Patients who had not undergone surveillance served as controls. Tumour stage and survival were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients with IBD-associated CRC were identified. Twenty-three had had colonoscopic surveillance before CRC was discovered. The 5-year CRC-related survival rate of patients in the surveillance group was 100% compared with 74% in the non-surveillance group (P=0.042). In the surveillance group, only one patient died as a consequence of CRC compared with 29 patients in the control group (P=0.047). In addition, more early tumour stages were found in the surveillance group (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence for improved survival from colonoscopic surveillance in IBD patients by detecting CRC at a more favourable tumour stage.

High frequency of early colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To detect precancerous dysplasia or asymptomatic cancer, patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease often undergo colonoscopic surveillance based on American or British guidelines. It is recommended that surveillance is initiated after 8-10 years of extensive colitis, or after 15-20 years for left-sided disease. These starting points, however, are not based on solid scientific evidence. Our aim was to assess the time interval between onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and subsequently evaluate how many patients developed cancer before their surveillance was recommended to commence. METHODS: A nationwide automated pathology database (PALGA) was consulted to identify patients with IBD-associated colorectal carcinoma in seven university medical centres in The Netherlands between January 1990 and June 2006. Data were collected retrospectively from patient charts. Time intervals between onset of disease and cancer diagnosis were calculated in months. RESULTS: 149 patients were identified with confirmed diagnoses of IBD and CRC (ulcerative colitis n = 89/Crohn's disease n = 59/indeterminate colitis n = 1). Taking date of diagnosis as the entry point, 22% of patients developed cancer before the 8 or 15 year starting points of surveillance, and 28% if surveillance was commenced 10 or 20 years after diagnosis for extensive or left-sided disease, respectively. Using onset of symptoms to calculate the time interval, 17-22% of patients would present with cancer prior to the surveillance starting points. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the diagnosis of colorectal cancer is delayed or missed in a substantial number of patients (17-28%) when conducting surveillance strictly according to formal guidelines.

Treatment of refractory post-esophagectomy anastomotic esophageal strictures using temporary fully covered esophageal metal stenting compared to repeated bougie dilation: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Background and study aims Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) provide an alternative to bougie dilation (BD) for refractory benign esophageal strictures. Controlled studies comparing temporary placement of FCSES to repeated BD are not available. Patients and methods Patients with refractory anastomotic esophageal strictures, dysphagia scores ≥ 2, and two to five prior BD were randomized to 8 weeks of FCSEMS or to repeated BD. The primary endpoint was the number of BD during the 12 months after baseline treatment. Results Eighteen patients were included (male 67 %, median age 66.5; 9 received metal stents, 9 received BD). Technical success rate of stent placement and stent removal was 100 %. Recurrent dysphagia occurred in 13 patients (72 %) during follow-up. No significant difference was found between the stent and BD groups for mean number of BD during follow-up (5.4 vs. 2.4, P  = 0.159), time to recurrent dysphagia (median 36 days vs. 33 days, Kaplan-Meier: P  = 0.576) and frequency of reinterventions per month (median 0.3 vs. 0.2, P  = 0.283). Improvement in quality of life score was greater in the stent group compared to the BD group at month 12 (median 26 % vs. 4 %, P  = 0.011). Conclusions The current data did not provide evidence for a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the number of BD during the 12 months after initial treatment. Metal stenting offers greater improvement in quality of life from baseline at 12 months compared to repeated BD for patients with refractory anastomotic esophageal strictures.

[British and American screening guidelines inadequate for prevention of colorectal carcinoma in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]. / Preventie van colorectaal carcinoom bij inflammatoir darmlijden onvoldoende met de Britse en Amerikaanse opsporingsrichtlijnen.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how many cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related colorectal cancer (CRC) occur before recommended colonoscopy screening commences. DESIGN: Descriptive. METHOD: A nationwide automated histological and cytopathological archive (PALGA) was used to identify patients with IBD and CRC in the period January 1990-June 2006 at the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands. The interval between the diagnosis of IBD or IBD-related symptoms and the diagnosis of CRC was calculated. The observed interval was compared with the recommended starting point for surveillance according to the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), i.e. after 8-10 years for pancolitis or after 15-20 years for left-sided colitis. RESULTS: 33 colorectal cancers were found in 29 patients with IBD. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 29 years (range: 11-82) for IBD and 47 years (range: 23-82) for CRC. 7 of the 29 patients (24%) developed CRC before the minimum recommended time to initiate screening (8 years for pancolitis, 15 years for left-sided colitis), and 9 patients (31%) developed CRC within the maximum recommended time to initiate screening (10 years for pancolitis, 20 years for left-sided colitis). If the onset of IBD-related symptoms was considered the starting point of the disease (rather than the diagnosis of IBD), 17-24% of patients developed a CRC before surveillance would have commenced. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that, by following the British and American guidelines for screening for IBD-related CRC, a substantial portion of cases (17-31%) would not be diagnosed in a timely manner.