The study’s findings, published in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, indicate that when patients do not cleanse their colons in preparation for the colonoscopy, physicians often missed at least one pre-cancerous growth in about one-third of such patients. These cancer risk markers were only discovered during their next colonoscopy.
The researchers believe the findings support physicians stopping and rescheduling colonoscopies if they are struggling to see the colon due to inadequate bowel prep.
“We often can detect preparation problems during the first few minutes of the procedure,” said first author Reena Chokshi, MD, a gastroenterology fellow at Washington University, in the release. “And based on this study, we would say that rather than subjecting a patient to the potential risks of a full colonoscopy when we may not be able to detect polyps, or other pre-cancerous growths called adenomas, it may be better to bring that patient back as soon as possible for a repeat procedure with better bowel preparation.”
Related Articles on Colonoscopy:
Gastroenterologist Dr. Mahesh Karamchandani Discusses Importance of Colonoscopy in Local Publication
CDC and AGA Join to Provide Free Colonoscopies to Patients in Seven States
Gastroenterologist Dr. Houssam Al Kharrat Shares 7 Things to Know About Colonoscopies
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