Abstract
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndromes make up fewer than 1% of patients diagnosed
with colorectal cancer each year. Patients with familial polyposis syndromes including
FAP, attenuated FAP, and MYH-associated polyposis (MAP), are an important group often
cared for by colorectal surgeons. Registry and screening programs have been shown
to improve survival in patients with adenomatous polyposis, as it allows patients
to undergo surgical intervention prior to the development of colorectal cancer. There
are several surgical options for the treatment of colorectal polyps in patients with
adenomatous polyposis, so it is important to choose the appropriate procedure for
each patient after discussing the risk of cancer in the rectal remnant, as well as
bowel and sexual function in a predominantly young patient group. Regardless of procedure
choice, long-term follow-up is important with yearly endoscopic evaluation of the
pouch or remnant rectum, as well as appropriate screening for extracolonic malignancy.
Adenomatous polyposis patients require an intense care regimen, but can have a normal
lifespan with good quality when cared for appropriately.
Keywords
polyposis - familial adenomatous polyposis - colorectal cancer
