American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the follow-up interval for colonoscopy in patients with sessile serrated polyps less than 10 mm?

1. 1 year

2. 3 years

3. 5 years

4. 10 years

The correct answer is: 5 years

The recommended follow-up interval for colonoscopy in patients with sessile serrated polyps that are less than 10 mm is indeed 5 years. This guideline is based on the understanding that sessile serrated polyps can be precursors to colorectal cancer, but the risk associated with smaller polyps is significantly lower compared to larger polyps or those with dysplasia. For patients with these smaller sessile serrated polyps, surveillance is important to monitor for any potential progression or the development of additional polyps. A 5-year interval strikes a balance between ensuring adequate surveillance and avoiding unnecessary procedures for low-risk patients. This recommendation reflects the current management strategies aimed at preventing colorectal cancer while maintaining efficient healthcare practices. Other options suggest intervals that are either too short, which may lead to overtreatment, or too long, which may overlook the risk of progression in the event that polyps develop or grow. Therefore, the 5-year interval is optimal for this group of patients.