Closing the gap for post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer

Colonoscopy is key in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of colorectal cancer. This technique allows the full examination of the colonic mucosa and resection of most pre-neoplastic lesions. However, as with any observer-dependent procedure, colonoscopy has limitations. In this sense, post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer is a well-described entity, and accounts for up to 8·2% of incident colorectal cancer cases. 1 Kang JH-E Evans N Singh S Samadder NJ Lee JK Systematic review with meta-analysis: the prevalence of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancers using the World Endoscopy Organization nomenclature. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2021; 54: 1232-1242 Crossref PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer is associated with endoscopists' ability to evaluate the colonic mucosa and resect colonic lesions. Up to 86% of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer cases are related to deficient visualisation of the colon or incomplete resection of pre-neoplastic lesions. 2 le Clercq CMC Bouwens MWE Rondagh EJA et al. Postcolonoscopy colorectal cancers are preventable: a population-based study. Gut. 2014; 63: 957-963 Crossref PubMed Scopus (213) Google Scholar Serrated polyp detection and risk of interval post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer: a population-based studyThe PSPDR of an endoscopist is inversely associated with the incidence of interval post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer. Implementation of PSPDR monitoring, in addition to ADR monitoring, could optimise colorectal cancer prevention. Full-Text PDF