A positive fecal immunochemical test predicts advanced neoplasia, and requires a colonoscopy for removal. A recent study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology examines the efficacy of second-look colonoscopies for the assessment of complete removal of AN.
Here are five things to know about the study.
1. The researchers defined second-look colonoscopy as any procedure following the initial colonoscopy after a positive FIT test.
2. Of the 1,215 FIT-positive patients included in the study, 8.6 percent underwent a second-look colonoscopy.
3. The main cause for a second-look colonoscopy was assessment of complete AN removal (41.9 percent). The second leading cause (34.3 percent) was need for additional polypectomy.
4. The researchers concluded second-look colonoscopy increases overall colonoscopy demand by 12 percent.
5. The study authors suggest high fecal hemglobin concentration, as determined by FIT, could be used to determine which patients are at risk and could benefit from a second-look colonoscopy.