Colorectal Diseases

When should a repeat colonoscopy be done

11/01/2006 01:20PM

Question:

My husband had a colonoscopy done nine months ago.They found mutated polyps. He was referred to a general surgeon who told him that he was fine. Why were we sent there to begin with? Then he had a repeat colonoscopy done in October 2006. Again they found tubulovillous adenoma of at least one polyp.

I find the health community to be very evasive about what is and is not cancer and we are trying to stay on top of this but the answers aren`t very clear. When should he go back for a repeat colonoscopy? And do you have any answers in regards to the evasive attitude of the doctors in general?

Answer:

I'm sorry you have had an unfavorable experience with your health care providers. If you don't feel like you are getting clear and concise answers, please seek another opinion. The physician you see should have the confidence and competence to answer each and every one of your questions to your satisfaction. Please try not to generalize your distrust to all physicians! The right one is out there for you.
Tubulovillous adenomas are pre-cancerous polyps. Ask the gastroenterologist why he or she sent you to a surgeon- did they think they could not get the entire polyp out through the colonoscope, or that there were too many polyps to retrieve? What exactly was their concern? Then, if you still need a surgeon, consider finding one who specializes in disease of the colon and rectum, at www.fascrs.org. Don't stop until you find someone you trust, and believe in.

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Response by:

Janice Frederick Rafferty, MD
Associate Professor, Chief
Division of Colorectal Surgery
Department of Surgery
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati