Early follow-up colonoscopy after colorectal cancer resection detects significant pathology

Follow-up colonoscopies post colorectal cancer resection found 2.7% cancer and 13.2% advanced adenomas in initial procedures. Timely surveillance detected 4.4% cancer progression. Older age, stage IV cancer, and synchronous cancers increased the odds of finding advanced neoplasia. Subsequent colonoscopies revealed 1.8% cancer and 11.4% advanced adenomas. Advanced adenomas during prior exams predicted advanced neoplasia in later screenings. Prolonged intervals between colonoscopies post-surgery should be avoided to catch advanced neoplasia early, highlighting the importance of timely surveillance after colorectal cancer resection.