Dr. Eisner Answers Your IBD Questions

I had a colonoscopy a few years ago and had some polyps removed. When should I have my next one?

While there are many factors involved when deciding when the next colonoscopy should be performed when someone has polyps, in general, if small polyps are found, the recommendation would be to repeat the examination in three to five years. If multiple or large polyps are found, then the recommendation would be to repeat the examination at one to three years. Factors such as history of colitis, family history of colon cancer and a previous poor colonoscopy prep will also play a role in determining when the next examination should be. You should contact your gastroenterologist and find out when you should schedule your next colonoscopy.