American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Patients with sessile serrated polyps that are ≥10 mm or have dysplasia should undergo surveillance colonoscopy how often?

1. 1 year

2. 3 years

3. 5 years

4. 10 years

The correct answer is: 3 years

Patients with sessile serrated polyps that are 10 mm or larger or display dysplasia warrant surveillance colonoscopy every 3 years. This recommendation is based on the increased risk of progression to colorectal cancer associated with these types of polyps. Sessile serrated polyps, especially when they reach a size of 10 mm or are dysplastic, represent a greater risk category, prompting the shorter interval for surveillance compared to other less concerning polyp types. The rationale is that detecting any additional polyps or changes early allows for timely intervention, which is crucial for preventing the progression of colorectal cancer. The guidelines emphasize adhering to this 3-year interval to adequately monitor and manage the potential risks in patients with higher-risk sessile serrated polyps. Other options suggest longer intervals, which would be less appropriate for patients in this higher-risk category given the evidence regarding the polyp characteristics.