Gold Coast Health standardises age and intervals for surveillance of colon polyps

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Content last updated 19/11/2019

Gold Coast Health standardises age and intervals for surveillance of colon polyps

Gold Coast Health (GCH) will no longer perform routine surveillance of colon polyps for patients older than 78 years.

This decision is based on guidelines from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and the Department of Health.

Download the full procedure for more information.

The intervals for surveillance colonoscopies of adenomas and polyps for all other patients remain aligned with the best available evidence:

  • The algorithm published by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australian and New Zealand (CSSANZ) and Cancer Council Australia. A one-page summary of the algorithm is available online.
  • The Queensland Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC) for polyp surveillance referrals and the National health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines, available online;
  • The RACGP advice about colonoscopic surveillance, available online (page 108)

GCH will continue to keep a register of patients requiring surveillance and will continue to send patients who require colonoscopies invitations to attend for the procedure. GPs should continue to refer patients, including those who are older than 78 years, if they are symptomatic or if there are clinical concerns.