Analysis of colonoscopy utilization and outcomes can be used to determine when the procedure is most effective. In a recent study published in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, researchers examined colonoscopy utilization and outcomes from 1.37 million reports between 2000 and 2011. Here are seven points to know on the study's results.
1. The most common reason for colonoscopy in patients younger than 50 years old was evaluation of symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome (28.7 percent) and bleeding or anemia (35.3 percent).
2. Of patients aged 50 to 74, colorectal cancer screening accounted for 42.9 percent of colonoscopies.
3. During the course of the study, the use of colonoscopy as an average-risk screening tool nearly tripled.
4. Large polyp prevalence increased with age. The study authors also found the incidence of large polyps was higher for men in every screening indication.
5. Patients with symptoms of IBS had a lower prevalence of large polyps than average-risk screening patients.
6. As patient age increased, the study authors noted a shift from distal to proximal large polyps.
7. The rate of proximal large polyps was higher in the black population in comparison to the white population.
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1. The most common reason for colonoscopy in patients younger than 50 years old was evaluation of symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome (28.7 percent) and bleeding or anemia (35.3 percent).
2. Of patients aged 50 to 74, colorectal cancer screening accounted for 42.9 percent of colonoscopies.
3. During the course of the study, the use of colonoscopy as an average-risk screening tool nearly tripled.
4. Large polyp prevalence increased with age. The study authors also found the incidence of large polyps was higher for men in every screening indication.
5. Patients with symptoms of IBS had a lower prevalence of large polyps than average-risk screening patients.
6. As patient age increased, the study authors noted a shift from distal to proximal large polyps.
7. The rate of proximal large polyps was higher in the black population in comparison to the white population.
More Articles on Gastroenterology:
GI in the News: 5 Gastroenterologists Making Headlines
Can Independent GI Practices Survive & Thrive?
11 GI-Driven ASCs & Facilities Opened in 2014