Prevalence and risk factors for sessile serrated lesions: an Australian experience

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Aims Sessile serrated lesions (SSL) are known precursors for colorectal cancer. Their prevalence varies across populations. We aimed to investigate their prevalence and characteristics in the Australian population. In particular, we assessed their prevalence in the younger cohort and follow up findings of patients identified to have at least one SSL at index colonoscopy. Methods All adult patients undergoing colonoscopy at the Gold Coast Health Service between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. Analysis included patient demographics, number of SSLs, location, size, dysplasia, and follow-up findings. Results Within 20,293 procedures analysed, 6058 (29.9%) SSLs were identified in 4095 patients. 54.5% were female. 13.3% were under 40 years and 14.0% were between 40-49 years. 69.5% of lesions were found in the proximal colon and 17.8% were>10mm in size. Dysplasia was present in 2.9%. 1490 patients (36.4%) underwent a follow-up procedure of whom 533 (35.8%) had another SSL detected. 24 (4.5%) patients had dysplasia on follow-up. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of SSLs in the regional Australian population. Colorectal cancer screening commences at 50 years in Australia and interestingly, our study identified 27% of these polyps in the<50 years cohort. Aetiological factors for a high prevalence of SSLs require further investigation to identify individuals who are at higher risk of incidence and progression. Publication History Article published online: 15 April 2024 © 2024. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany