Cancer surveillance in ulcerative colitis: critical analysis of long-term prospective programme

Abstract Background. Patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. In the literature, no agreement has yet been reached regarding prevention strategies. Our report sums up a prospective study started in 1980. Methods. A total of 65 patients affected by ulcerative colitis for more than seven years were admitted to a regular colonoscopic and biopsy follow-up programme. Results. Some 20 years after the beginning of the study, 23 (35.3%) patients have been operated upon, 2 patients have died but not from cancer, 29 (44.6%) patients have abandoned the programme. Only 11 (16.9%) patients have remained under colonoscopic surveillance. Conclusion. These results cast some doubts on the significance of such a programme and on its long-term feasibility.