POLYPECTOMY OF ADENOMAS IN THE PREVENTION OF COLORECTAL-CANCER - 10 YEARS FOLLOW-UP OF THE TELEMARK POLYP STUDY .1. A PROSPECTIVE, CONTROLLED POPULATION STUDY

Background: The efficacy of polypectomy in preventing colorectal cance r (CRC) has never been demonstrated in a controlled, prospective study . This must be done by randomization within a population with a high p revalence of colorectal polyps, and the feasibility and safety of endo scopic screening examination is a prerequisite for this type of study. Methods: The present study is a randomized, controlled study of the f easibility and safety of flexible sigmoidoscopic screening of a normal population sample of 799 men and women aged 50-59 years, findings at 2 and 6 years' colonoscopic follow-up, and the appearance of clinical colorectal cancer (CRC) after 10 years. Results: The attendance rate w as high, and there were no complications. After 10 years 1 of 400 in t he screening group had developed CRC (in the group of 76 (19%) not att ending for screening examination). Four of 399 controls developed CRC. Conclusion: Poor yield of polyps at follow-up, slow growth of in situ polyps, and no clinical CRC among screenees after 10 years provides s upport to infrequent or no colonoscopic follow-up after initial polype ctomy in individuals with otherwise average risk of CRC.