American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the ABIM Certification Exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Strengthen understanding with flashcards, hints, and thorough review materials. Ace your test!

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After colectomy in patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, how frequently should rectal or pouch surveillance occur?

Every 1 year
Every 6 months
Every 2 years
Every 3 years

The correct answer is: Every 1 year

In patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) who have undergone a colectomy, regular surveillance for rectal or pouch cancers is crucial due to their high risk of developing malignancies in the remaining rectal tissue or in the ileal pouch if one was created. The recommended frequency for surveillance in this patient population is every 1 year. FAP is characterized by the development of numerous colorectal adenomas, and while a colectomy significantly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, patients must still be monitored for the emergence of any dysplastic changes or cancer in the residual rectal mucosa or the ileal pouch. Annual surveillance allows for the timely detection and intervention of any neoplastic changes, which is imperative given the genetic predisposition of these patients. This annual approach is supported by various clinical guidelines, emphasizing that regular follow-up is essential to manage the patient's ongoing risk effectively.