Brief Articles
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 14, 2009; 15(2): 226-230
Published online Jan 14, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.226
Table 1 Key elements in screening patients with long-standing, extensive colitis, adapted from the AGA and BSG guidelines
Key element
Surveillance colonoscopyColonoscopy with systematic biopsies
Perform surveillance every 1 to 2 yr
After 8 to 10 yr of disease in those with pancolitis
After 15 yr of disease in those with left-sided colitis
Biopsy protocolBiopsies every 10 cm in all 4 quadrants.
Additional biopsies of strictures and mass lesions other than pseudopolyps
Polyps that appear potentially dysplastic remove by polypectomy with biopsy of adjacent flat mucosa
DysplasiaIf HGD or multifocal low-grade dysplasia is found in flat mucosa refer for colectomy
Presence of low-grade dysplasia, particularly if it is unifocal: no consensus
DALM is an indication for colectomy
Other factors of consideration to advise on colectomyOngoing colitis-related symptoms
Life expectancy
Duration, severity and extent of colitis
A personal history of primary sclerosing cholangitis
A family history of colorectal cancer
Discussion around the time of surveillance of benefit, harms, and short comings of colonoscopy surveillance