Is a followup exam after colon surgery necessary?
My husband had an operation last year because the doctor's found that he had a small lump on his colon. After the operation and recuperation he was given chemotherapy. He has recently been discharged from chemo and the doctor ordered another colon exam and my husband does not wish to take it. What would they be looking for since nothing was attached to the colon when he was operated on?
Expert Answer
Yes, he should go in for the colon surgery followup. One of the goals in keeping medical information of the patient -- including former scans and other test results -- is to compare a former state with a current state. Healthcare professionals review these to see any new growths and to chart the growth rates as compared to the prior condition. If nothing else, your husband can feel good about a "clean bill of health" when leaving the office.