Strategy for post-polypectomy colonoscopy surveillance: focus on the revised Korean guidelines

ABSTRACT

The risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia is linked to the presence of polyps on initial colonoscopy. Consequently, it is crucial to establish an appropriate colonoscopy surveillance period post-polypectomy.Current Concepts: The US Multi-Society Task Force, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the British Society of Gastroenterology revised their respective foreign guidelines in the 2020s. In Korea, a revised edition of post-polypectomy colonoscopic surveillance was announced in 2022, with the following risk factors: (1) adenoma ≥10 mm in size; (2) 3 to 5 (or more) adenomas; (3) tubulovillous or villous adenoma; (4) adenoma containing high-grade dysplasia; (5) traditional serrated adenoma; (6) sessile serrated lesions containing any grade of dysplasia; (7) serrated polyps of at least 10 mm in size; and (8) 3 to 5 (or more) sessile serrated lesions. In these guidelines, suitable surveillance periods are suggested for each risk factor.Discussion and Conclusion: The evidence supporting the best practices for post-polypectomy colonoscopy surveillance has strengthened, helping to support both close follow-up for some populations and less intense follow-up for others.