A 58-year-old woman undergoes curative resection for stage II (T3N0M0) colorectal adenocarcinoma. According to current NCCN and ASCRS guidelines, what is the recommended interval for the first post-operative surveillance colonoscopy?
- A 1 month
- B 6 months
- C 1 year ✓
- D 3 years
Correct answer: C. 1 year
Explanation
Current guidelines recommend a surveillance colonoscopy 1 year after curative resection (or 1 year after the peri-operative clearing colonoscopy). This detects metachronous neoplasia and anastomotic recurrence. If normal, the next colonoscopy is performed 3 years later, and subsequently every 5 years. Earlier colonoscopy is only indicated if a complete pre-operative colonoscopy was not performed.
Reference: NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Colon/Rectal Cancer, Version 1.2024 ed.
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