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The generalization of colorectal cancer prevention campaigns leads inevitably to the multiplication of control colonoscopies, for those patients who have been treated by endoscopic removal of precancerous lesions. Risk of recurrence varies according to the number, size and histology of the lesions, as well as the patient's family history. Academic guidelines recommend an examination at three months, three years, five years or a distant unspecified date. We studied 581 patients who had undergone a polypectomy in Brittany in September 2002, which procedure was performed by one of 86 gastroenterologists from the region. We studied to what extent guidelines had been followed. We were able to analyze 384 case files. Of the seven recommended three months check-ups, five were done on time, two were late. Of 102 recommended three years check-ups, 36 were done between one and three years; 66 were not done. Of 105 recommended five years check-ups, 49 were done between 12 and 61 months; 56 were not done. For the 131 patients requiring a ten-year check-up, 49 were checked at five years, of whom 20 had polyps that were either new or not seen at the previous colonoscopy. We can conclude that guidelines are insufficiently observed, for reasons that are linked either to the patient or to the physician. We can expect the situation to improve as a result of information campaigns, new research on the history of the different types of lesions, which will better inform the guidelines, and greater use of computerized alerts regarding the calendar of check-ups.