American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

When should patients with colon cancer have their first postoperative colonoscopy examination?

1. Within 3 months

2. Within 6 months

3. Within 1 year

4. Within 2 years

The correct answer is: Within 1 year

The recommended timing for the first postoperative colonoscopy examination in patients with colon cancer is within 1 year after surgery. This is crucial for monitoring for any recurrence of cancer and for ensuring that any new lesions in the colon are detected early. A colonoscopy performed within this timeframe allows for appropriate surveillance in accordance with established guidelines, which advocate for close monitoring during the first few years after treatment due to a higher risk of recurrence. Performing the colonoscopy within 3 months may be too soon, as the surgical site may still be healing, potentially complicating the procedure and hindering the accurate assessment of the colon. Scheduling it within 6 months could also be considered premature for similar reasons. Waiting for more than 1 year could delay the detection of a recurrence, limiting prompt intervention options that improve patient outcomes. Hence, the 1-year mark represents a balance between sufficient time for healing and the need for effective surveillance in colon cancer patients.