Replies sorted oldest to newest
I get it done much less frequently, and the recommendations seem to vary quite a bit. I do plan on having one later this year. The risk of cuff cancer should be considerably lower than the cancer risk UC creates in an entire colon, but it definitely isn't zero. Risk factors like FAP, prior dysplasia, or chronic cuff inflammation would strengthen the argument for regular monitoring.
For last 13 years after my surgery i have had a sigmoidoscopy almost every year. I am talking with my GI doc to see if every two years makes sense. However, i just had a flare and i personally feel more comfortable with every year. This is especially true for me as there is history of colon cancer in my family and there is still that small section of colon left for the J-Pouch. so for me better safe than sorry. I tolerate the sig study without drugs or any issues as i have had them so often it is routine for me and I am in and out. Also i participate in any clinical trial to help research this nasty disease to help others, so if they want me in to do something i go.
I average about one every three years. Never really had pouch problems. My GP bugs me about it every other year at the yearly physical. My GI doctor is OK with that frequency, says the skin and tissue looks great and normal.
