Current Management of Malignant Colorectal Polyps Across a Regional United Kingdom Cancer Network

BACKGROUND: The incidence of malignant colorectal polyps has increased secondary to the greater use of diagnostic colonoscopy and introduction of screening programs. Faced with the dilemma of whether major resection is required or whether polypectomy has been sufficient treatment, the clinician relies on high- and low-risk histological parameters to guide decision-making. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review current practice and evaluate multidisciplinary team decision-making across a United Kingdom Regional Cancer Network to establish the efficacy of previously set guidance from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (2013). DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a United Kingdom Regional Cancer Network composed of 4 separate National Health Service Hospital Trusts, covering an overall population of 1.5 million. PATIENTS: All patients with malignant colorectal polyps who presented to the colorectal multidisciplinary team over a 3-year period (April 1, 2012 to April 1, 2015) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of residual disease after major resection, recurrence of cancer after polypectomy and surveillance alone, reporting of histological features, adherence to endoscopic surveillance guidelines, and outcomes of surveillance cross-sectional imaging were measured. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients (median age = 69 y) with a malignant colorectal polyp were identified during the study period, with a median of 2.7 years of follow-up. Thirty-seven patients (21.4%) underwent primary surgical resection with a residual disease rate of 43% (16/37). The remaining 136 patients (76.8%) were managed conservatively with recurrence in 6 cases (4.4%). Endoscopic follow-up at 3 months occurred in 61% of cases. Histological reporting was varied, with tumor differentiation and resection margin being reported in 84% of cases and lymphovascular invasion and depth of invasion in 71% and 59% of cases, respectively. LIMITATIONS: This was an observational retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: The residual disease rate in patients treated surgically was higher than previously reported (43.2%). Incidence of recurrence in patients treated conservatively was low (4.4%). Areas of improvements have been identified in adherence to endoscopic follow-up, histopathological reporting, and potential overuse of radiological surveillance. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B47.