A prospective analysis of 13,580 colonoscopies. Reevaluation of credentialing guidelines

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines

The risk of endoscopy in patients on antithrombotics depends on the risks of procedural haemorrhage versus thrombosis due to discontinuation of therapy. P2Y12 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS CLOPIDOGREL, PRASUGREL, TICAGRELOR: For low-risk endoscopic procedures we recommend continuing P2Y12 receptor antagonists as single or dual antiplatelet therapy (low quality evidence, strong recommendation); For high-risk endoscopic procedures in patients at low thrombotic risk, we recommend discontinuing P2Y12 receptor antagonists five days before the procedure (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). In patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, we suggest continuing aspirin (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). For high-risk endoscopic procedures in patients at high thrombotic risk, we recommend continuing aspirin and liaising with a cardiologist about the risk/benefit of discontinuation of P2Y12 receptor antagonists (high quality evidence, strong recommendation).

WARFARIN

The advice for warfarin is fundamentally unchanged from British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 2008 guidance.

DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS DOAC

For low-risk endoscopic procedures we suggest omitting the morning dose of DOAC on the day of the procedure (very low quality evidence, weak recommendation); For high-risk endoscopic procedures, we recommend that the last dose of DOAC be taken ≥48 h before the procedure (very low quality evidence, strong recommendation). For patients on dabigatran with CrCl (or estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR) of 30-50 mL/min we recommend that the last dose of DOAC be taken 72 h before the procedure (very low quality evidence, strong recommendation). In any patient with rapidly deteriorating renal function a haematologist should be consulted (low quality evidence, strong recommendation).

Design and validation of a cost-effective physical endoscopic simulator for fundamentals of endoscopic surgery training

BACKGROUND

The American Board of Surgery will require graduating surgical residents to achieve proficiency in endoscopy. Surgical simulation can help residents to prepare for this proficiency test, accelerate skill acquisition, shorten the learning, and improve patient safety. Currently, endoscopic simulators are extremely cost-prohibitive. We therefore designed an inexpensive physical endoscopic simulator to (1) facilitate Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery skills training and (2) teach basic colonoscopy skills, for <$200.00.

METHODS

We constructed the Rutgers Open Source Colonoscopy Simulator (ROSCO) from easily acquired commercial materials. For construct validation, we compared novices to experts in a two-arm non-randomized study. Each participant performed the five tasks and a full cecal intubation on the simulator. Face and content validity surveys were taken by the experts, after the construct validity study to determine the simulator's ability to achieve the intended task with "realism." Data were collected on (1) cost and construction, (2) time to completion of individual tasks, (3) percentage of task completion, and (4) survey statistics.

RESULTS

Our simulator requires no advanced expertise, costs $62.77 US, and weighs 8.5 pounds. The ROSCO simulator was clearly able to distinguish expert from novice. Expert task times for completing all five tasks, performing the loop reduction, and reaching the splenic and hepatic flexures on the simulator were significantly better than novice times (p < 0.05). All participants were able to complete all five tasks on the simulator 100 % of the time. Three out of five experts "Agreed" or "Strongly Agreed" with five out of the six statements regarding the simulator's teaching ability. Four out of five experts rated each of the five specific aspects of the simulator as "Realistic" or "Very Realistic."

CONCLUSIONS

We have designed a low-cost colonoscopy simulator with easily available materials and which requires very little advanced construction expertise and have demonstrated construct, face, and content validity. We believe this will have broad impact for endoscopic simulation, surgical education, and health education cost.

Effect of Colonoscopy Volume on Quality Indicators

Background. The purpose of this study is to determine if colonoscopy quality is associated with the annual case volume of endoscopists. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed on 3235 patients who underwent colonoscopy in the city of St. John's, NL, between January and June 2012. Data collected included completion of colonoscopy (CCR) and adenoma detection rates (ADR). Endoscopists were divided into quintiles based on annual case volume. To account for potential confounding variables, univariate analyses followed by multivariable logistic regression were used to identify variables independently associated with CCR and ADR. Results. A total of 13 surgeons and 8 gastroenterologists were studied. There was a significant difference in CCR (p < 0.001) and ADR (p < 0.001) based on annual volume. Following multivariable regression, predictors of successful colonoscopy completion included annual colonoscopy volume, lower age, male sex, an indication of screening or surveillance, and a low ASA score. Predictors of adenoma detection included older age, male sex, an indication of screening or surveillance, and gastroenterology specialty. Conclusion. Higher annual case volume is associated with better quality of colonoscopy in terms of completion. However, gastroenterology specialty appears to be a better predictor of ADR than annual case volume.

A Review of Endoscopic Simulation: Current Evidence on Simulators and Curricula

Upper and lower endoscopy is an important tool that is being utilized more frequently by general surgeons. Training in therapeutic endoscopic techniques has become a mandatory requirement for general surgery residency programs in the United States. The Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery has been developed to train and assess competency in these advanced techniques. Simulation has been shown to increase the skill and learning curve of trainees in other surgical disciplines. Several types of endoscopy simulators are commercially available; mechanical trainers, animal based, and virtual reality or computer-based simulators all have their benefits and limitations. However they have all been shown to improve trainee's endoscopic skills. Endoscopic simulators will play a critical role as part of a comprehensive curriculum designed to train the next generation of surgeons. We reviewed recent literature related to the various types of endoscopic simulators and their use in an educational curriculum, and discuss the relevant findings.

Complications during colonoscopy: prevention, diagnosis, and management

Colonoscopy is largely performed in daily clinical practice for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Although infrequent, different complications may occur during the examination, mostly related to the operative procedures. These complications range from asymptomatic and self-limiting to serious, requiring a prompt medical, endoscopic or surgical intervention. In this review, the complications that may occur during colonoscopy are discussed, with a particular focus on prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches.

Optical diagnosis of small colorectal polyps during colonoscopy: when to resect and discard?

Colonoscopy with polypectomy has been shown to be effective in reducing incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). The increase in use of colonoscopy in national bowel cancer screening programmes combined with improved technology has resulted in a large increase in detection of polyps. Most polyps detected at screening colonoscopy are small (<10 mm) or diminutive (<6 mm) and, in particular the latter, have a very small chance of containing advanced features or cancer. The main reason for resecting small adenomas and sending them to histopathology serves to inform on the future surveillance intervals. Being able to diagnose adenomas in vivo would allow for them to be resected and discarded, saving the costs associated with histopathology. Diagnosing distal hyperplastic polyps in vivo would allow for these to be left in situ reducing the risks associated with polypectomy. There are now a number of new technologies that could potentially make optical diagnosis a reality. Resect and discard policy is an attractive concept for patients, gastroenterologists and health service providers and would present an enticing change to current clinical practice.

Validity evidence for a new portable, lower-cost platform for the fundamentals of endoscopic surgery skills test

BACKGROUND

The fundamentals of endoscopic surgery (FES) examination measures the knowledge and skills required to perform safe flexible endoscopy. A potential limitation of the FES skills test is the size and cost of the simulator on which it was developed (GI Mentor II virtual reality endoscopy simulator; Simbionix LTD, Israel). A more compact and lower-cost alternative (GI Mentor Express) was developed to address this issue. The purpose of this study was to obtain evidence for the validity of scores obtained on the Express platform, so that it can be used for testing.

STUDY DESIGN

General surgery residents at various levels of training and practicing endoscopists at five institutions participated. Each completed the five FES tasks on both simulator platforms in random order, with 3-14 days between tests. Scores were calculated using the same standardized computer-generated algorithm and compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

There were 58 participants (mean age 32; 76% male) with a broad range of endoscopic experience. The mean (95% confidence interval) FES scores were 72 (67:77) on the GI Mentor II and 66 (60:71) on the Express. The correlation between scores on the two platforms was 0.86 (0.77:0.91; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

There is a high correlation between FES manual skills scores measured on the original platform and the new Express, providing evidence to support the use of the GI Mentor Express for FES testing.

Prevention of gastrointestinal events in patients on antithrombotic therapy in the peri-endoscopy period: review of new evidence and recommendations from recent guidelines

Management of patients on antithrombotic therapy undergoing endoscopic procedures can be challenging. Although guidelines from major gastrointestinal endoscopy societies provide useful recommendations in this regard, data are limited concerning the bleeding risk of new complex endoscopic procedures and the management of novel anticoagulants in patients needing invasive procedures. The approach to the management of antithrombotic therapy often needs to be formulated on an individual basis, especially in patients with high thrombotic risk undergoing a high-risk endoscopic procedure. In addition to the procedure-related bleeding risk, endoscopists also need to consider the urgency of the endoscopic procedure, the thromboembolic risk of the patient if antithrombotic therapy is temporarily withheld, and the timing of discontinuation/resumption of antithrombotic therapy in the decision-making process. Diagnostic endoscopic procedures with or without biopsy can often be done without interruption of antithrombotic therapy. If possible, elective procedures with high bleeding risk should be delayed in patients on antithrombotic therapy for conditions with high thrombotic risk. If high-risk procedures cannot be delayed in these patients, thienopyridines, traditional and novel anticoagulants are usually withheld, whereas aspirin withdrawal is decided on a case by case basis. In patients with high thrombotic risk, communication with the prescribing clinician before proceeding to procedures with high bleeding risk is particularly important in optimizing the peri-procedural management plan of antithrombotic therapy.

Simulated training in colonoscopic stenting of colonic strictures: validation of a cadaver model

AIM

There are currently no available simulation models for training in colonoscopic stent deployment. The aim of this study was to validate a cadaver model for simulation training in colonoscopy with stent deployment for colonic strictures.

METHOD

This was a prospective study enrolling surgeons at a single institution. Participants performed colonoscopic stenting on a cadaver model. Their performance was assessed by two independent observers. Measurements were performed for quantitative analysis (time to identify stenosis, time for deployment, accuracy) and a weighted score was devised for assessment. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Student's t-test were used for nonparametric and parametric data, respectively. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used for reliability.

RESULTS

Twenty participants performed a colonoscopy with deployment of a self-expandable metallic stent in two cadavers (groups A and B) with 20 strictures overall. The median time was 206 s. The model was able to differentiate between experts and novices (P = 0. 013). The results showed a good consensus estimate of reliability, with kappa = 0.571 (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The cadaver model described in this study has content, construct and concurrent validity for simulation training in colonoscopic deployment of self-expandable stents for colonic strictures. Further studies are needed to evaluate the predictive validity of this model in terms of skill transfer to clinical practice.

Clinical impact of endoscopy position detecting unit (UPD-3) for a non-sedated colonoscopy

AIM: To evaluate whether an endoscopy position detecting unit (UPD-3) can improve cecal intubation rates, cecal intubation times and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, regardless of the colonoscopist’s level of experience.

METHODS: A total of 260 patients (170 men and 90 women) who underwent a colonoscopy were divided into the UPD-3-guided group or the conventional group (no UPD-3 guidance). Colonoscopies were performed by experts (experience of more than 1000 colonoscopies) or trainees (experience of less than 100 colonoscopies). Cecal intubation rates, cecal intubation times, insertion methods (straight insertion: shortening the colonic fold through the bending technique; roping insertion: right turn shortening technique) and patient discomfort were assessed. Patient discomfort during the endoscope insertion was scored by the VAS that was divided into 6 degrees of pain.

RESULTS: The cecum intubation rates, cecal intubation times, number of cecal intubations that were performed in < 15 min and insertion methods were not significantly different between the conventional group and the UPD-3-guided group. The number of patients who experienced pain during the insertion was markedly less in the UPD-3-guided group than in the conventional group. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the following factors were associated with lower VAS pain scores during endoscope insertion: insertion method (straight insertion) and UPD-3 guidance in the trainee group. For the experts group, univariate analysis showed that only the insertion method (straight insertion) was associated with lower VAS pain scores.

CONCLUSION: Although UPD-3 guidance did not shorten intubation times, it resulted in less patient pain during endoscope insertion compared with conventional endoscopy for the procedures performed by trainees.

New paradigms in polypectomy: resect and discard, diagnose and disregard

Polypectomy at colonoscopy has been shown to reduce the subsequent risk of colorectal cancer. With the advent of national screening programs, the number of colonoscopies performed has increased worldwide. In addition, the recent drive for quality improvement combined with advances in colonoscopic technology has resulted in increased numbers of polyps detected, resected, and sent for histopathology leading to spiraling costs associated with the procedure. Being able to diagnose small polyps in vivo (optical diagnosis) would allow for adenomas to be resected and discarded without the need to retrieve them or send them for formal histopathology.

Evaluation of two flexible colonoscopy simulators and transfer of skills into clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

Surgical residents have learned flexible endoscopy by practicing on patients in hospital settings under the strict guidance of experienced surgeons. Simulation is often used to "pretrain" novices on endoscopic skills before real clinical practice; nonetheless, the optimal method of training remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare endoscopic virtual reality and physical model simulators and their respective roles in transferring skills to the clinical environment.

METHODS

At the beginning of a skills development rotation, 27 surgical postgraduate year 1 residents performed a baseline screening colonoscopy on a real patient under faculty supervision. Their performances were scored using the Global Assessment of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Skills (GAGES). Subsequently, interns completed a 3-week flexible endoscopy curriculum developed at our institution. One-third of the residents were assigned to train with the GI Mentor simulator, one-third trained with the Kyoto simulator, and one-third of the residents trained using both simulators. At the end of their rotations, each postgraduate year 1 resident performed one posttest colonoscopy on a different patient and was again scored using GAGES by an experienced faculty.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement in the GAGES total score (p < 0.001) and on each of its subcomponents (p = 0.001) was observed from pretest to posttest for all groups combined. Subgroup analysis indicated that trainees in the GI Mentor or both simulators conditions showed significant improvement from pretest to posttest in terms of GAGES total score (p = 0.017 vs 0.024, respectively). This was not observed for those exclusively using the Kyoto platform (p = 0.072). Nonetheless, no single training condition was shown to be a better training modality when compared to others in terms of total GAGES score or in any of its subcomponents.

CONCLUSION

Colonoscopy simulator training with the GI Mentor platform exclusively or in combination with a physical model simulator improves skill performance in real colonoscopy cases when measured with the GAGES tool.

Endoscopy in Canada: Proceedings of the National Roundtable

This 2014 roundtable discussion, hosted by the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, brought together general surgeons and gastroenterologists with expertise in endoscopy from across Canada to discuss the state of endoscopy in Canada. The focus of the roundtable was the evaluation of the competence of general surgeons at endoscopy, reviewing quality assurance parameters for high-quality endoscopy, measuring and assessing surgical resident preparedness for endoscopy practice, evaluating credentialing programs for the endosuite and predicting the future of endoscopic services in Canada. The roundtable noted several important observations. There exist inadequacies in both resident training and the assessment of competency in endoscopy. From these observations, several collaborative recommendations were then stated. These included the need for a formal and standardized system of both accreditation and training endoscopists.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy training in general surgery residency: what has changed since 2009?

BACKGROUND

The Residency Review Committee for Surgery increased the endoscopy requirement for general surgery residents graduating in 2009 and thereafter. These changes led to the release of a position paper from 4 major gastroenterology societies claiming that the brief exposure of general surgery residents to endoscopy is not sufficient to gain competency. The societies also stated that these increased requirements will place an undue burden on gastroenterologists to supervise surgical residents in endoscopy training.

METHODS

We designed a retrospective study to see if general surgery residents at our university-based training program were able to meet the 2009 requirements, and if reliance on nonsurgical faculty has increased. The case logs of all general surgery residents graduating from our institution during seven consecutive years were reviewed.

SETTING

All endoscopic procedures were carried out at our main university hospital and at our two affiliated university hospitals. Residents spend two thirds of the year at the main campus and the remaining time at the affiliates.

RESULTS

We found that our surgical residents have met the new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements. In our program, surgeons continue to provide most of the resident supervision for endoscopic procedures. Although there was an initial increased utilization of nonsurgical faculty for upper endoscopy, reliance on nonsurgical faculty for endoscopy training has declined every year since the guidelines were revised.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible for general surgery residents to meet the new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements in endoscopy without placing an undue burden on gastroenterologists.

Positive correlation between endoscopist radiofrequency ablation volume and response rates in Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become an accepted form of endoscopic treatment for Barrett's esophagus (BE), yet reported response rates are variable. There are no accepted quality measures for performing RFA, and provider-level characteristics may influence RFA outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether endoscopist RFA volume is associated with rates of complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) after RFA in patients with BE.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of longitudinal data.

SETTING

Three tertiary-care medical centers.

PATIENTS

Patients with BE treated with RFA.

INTERVENTION RFA MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

For each endoscopist, we recorded RFA volume, defined as the number of unique patients treated as well as corresponding CRIM rates. We calculated a Spearman correlation coefficient relating these 2 measures.

RESULTS

We identified 417 patients with BE treated with RFA who had at least 1 post-RFA endoscopy with biopsies. A total of 73% of the cases had pretreatment histology of high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. The procedures were performed by 7 endoscopists, who had a median RFA volume of 62 patients (range 20-188). The overall CRIM rate was 75.3% (provider range 62%-88%). The correlation between endoscopist RFA volume and CRIM rate was strong and significant (rho = 0.85; P = .014). In multivariable analysis, higher RFA volume was significantly associated with CRIM (P for trend .04).

LIMITATIONS

Referral setting may limit generalizability. Limited number of endoscopists analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopist RFA volume correlates with rates of successful BE eradication. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and to determine whether RFA volume is a valid predictor of treatment outcomes in BE.

The effect of virtual endoscopy simulator training on novices: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Advances in virtual endoscopy simulators have paralleled an interest in medical simulation for gastrointestinal endoscopy training.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to determine whether the virtual endoscopy simulator training could improve the performance of novices.

DESIGN

A systematic review.

SETTING

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared virtual endoscopy simulator training with bedside teaching or any other intervention for novices were collected.

PATIENTS

Novice endoscopists.

INTERVENTIONS

The PRISMA statement was followed during the course of the research. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect were searched (up to July 2013). Data extraction and assessment were independently performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Independent procedure completion, total procedure time and required assistance.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (n = 354) were eligible for inclusion: 9 studies designed for colonoscopy training, 6 for gastroscopy training. For gastroscopy training, procedure completed independently was reported in 87.7% of participants in simulator training group compared to 70.0% of participants in control group (1 study; 22 participants; RR 1.25; 95% CI 1.13-1.39; P<0.0001). For colonoscopy training, procedure completed independently was reported in 89.3% of participants in simulator training group compared to 88.9% of participants in control group (7 study; 163 participants; RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.88-1.37; P = 0.41; I(2) = 85%).

LIMITATIONS

The included studies are quite in-homogeneous with respect to training schedule and procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual endoscopy simulator training might be effective for gastroscopy, but so far no data is available to support this for colonoscopy.

Imaging findings post colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection

Endoscopic mucosal resection is commonly the treatment regime of choice for large sessile colonic polyps. We describe the computed tomography findings of a 51 year old female who presented with transient severe abdominal pain without systemic upset post endoscopic mucosal polyp resection, which resolved with conservative management. This is the second case in the literature that demonstrates 'normal' appearances post endoscopic mucosal resection. The clinical team and radiologist need to be aware of these findings when making management decisions in patients who present with acute pain post endoscopic mucosal resection.

The effect of the endoscopist on the wait-time for colorectal cancer surgery

OBJECTIVE

The effect of the specialty of physicians who perform endoscopy on preoperative wait-time of colorectal cancer patients was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 86 patients who have been operated with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer from January 2011-February 2013 regarding age, sex, tumor location, colonoscopy date, surgery date, the expertise and institution of the endoscopist were retrospectively examined. The time between colonoscopy and surgery was accepted as the pre-operative wait time (PWT).

RESULTS

Out of 86 patients, 24 (27.9%) colonoscopies were performed by general surgeons (GS), and 62 (72.1%) by gastroenterologists (GE). When patients who underwent colonoscopy in other centers were extracted, the PWT for our center was 20.4±10.8 days. When grouped according to specialties, the PWT of patients who had their colonoscopy performed by GS was significantly shorter than patients who underwent colonoscopy by GE at the same center (p<0.05). Patient's age, sex and location of the tumor had no effect on PWT (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The preparation time for surgery in colorectal cancer patients is influenced by the specialty of the physician performing the procedure. In order to standardize this period, a common flow diagram after endoscopy should be established for patients with suspected malignancy.

Quality in colonoscopy: European perspectives and practice

Colonoscopy is the 'gold standard' investigation of the colon. High quality colonoscopy is essential to diagnose early cancer and reduce its incidence through the detection and removal of pre-malignant adenomas. In this review, we discuss the key components of a high quality colonoscopy, review methods for improving quality, emerging technologies that have the potential to improve quality and highlight areas for future work.

Assessing Competency and Training of Upper Endoscopy in a General Surgery Residency Program

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for optimal endoscopic training for surgical residents have not been formally integrated into modern teaching programs. Our purpose was to apply two endoscopic evaluation tools (EE-1 and EE-2) designed to measure surgical resident competency in the performance of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

METHODS

Prospectively collected data were reviewed from consecutive EGDs in a single institution by a single attending surgeon over 3 years (July 2008 to July 2011). Demographic, procedural, and outcome data were collected. Residents were graded at the completion of each procedure by the attending surgeon using EE-1 and EE-2. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and comparisons based on PGY levels were made using Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

All procedures (N = 50) were performed by residents under the direct attending surgeon supervision. Average patient age was 51 years (range, 31-79 years), 66% were women, and 66% were Caucasian. PGY-3 residents performed 62% of the procedures. Average resident participation was 84% of each procedure. Biopsies were performed in 80% of patients and dilatations in 16%. All EGDs were successfully completed (average time, 13.1 min). EE-1 results demonstrated significantly different grades (P < 0.05) among PGY levels in seven of eight variables. EE-2 grades were significantly different (P < 0.05) among PGY levels in all 10 variables with a general trend of improvement as PGY level increased. There were no mortalities or morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Residents can perform EGDs safely and expeditiously with appropriate supervision. Methods to assess competency continue to evolve and should remain an area of active research.

Complications of colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a relatively invasive modality for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal disease and for the prevention or early detection of colorectal neoplasia. Millions of colonoscopies are performed each year in the United States by endoscopists with varying levels of skill in colons that present varying levels of challenge. Although better scope technology has made colonoscopy gentler and more accurate, the sheer number of examinations performed means that complications inevitably occur. This article considers the most common complications of colonoscopy, and advises how to minimize their incidence and how to treat them if they do occur.

Successful endoscopic strategies for difficult polypectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Standard endoscopic polypectomy is a powerful technique to remove most polyps found in the gastrointestinal tract. However, a small percentage of polyps can be classified as difficult, based on size, location, and/or configuration. Traditionally, these difficult polyps were referred for surgical segmental colectomy. Recently, with advancements in endoscopic techniques and accessories, a majority of these difficult polyps are now able to be completely resected using entirely endoscopic techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

Endoscopic techniques and accessories have been evolving during recent years, including increased dissemination of techniques of endoscopic submucosal dissection to the western hemisphere. In addition to refinement of endoscopic techniques, there has been increased interest in developing improved endoscopic accessories, including novel submucosal injectate with auto-dissecting properties, to improve safety and efficiency of endoscopic resection of difficult polyps.

SUMMARY

This article will review currently available techniques and strategies for successful endoscopic resection for difficult polyps.

Postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome: a mimicker of colonic perforation

Postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome is a rare complication of polypectomy with electrocautery and is characterized by a transmural burn of the colon wall. Patients typically present within 12 hours after the procedure with symptoms mimicking colonic perforation. Presented is the case of a 56-year-old man who developed abdominal pain six hours after colonoscopy during which polypectomy was performed using snare cautery. CT imaging of the abdomen revealed circumferential thickening of the wall of the transverse colon without evidence of free air. The patient was treated conservatively as an outpatient and had resolution of his pain over the following four days. Recognition of the diagnosis and understanding of the treatment are important to avoid unnecessary exploratory laparotomy or hospitalization.

Risk factors for colonoscopic perforation: A population-based study of 80118 cases

AIM: To assess the incidence and risk factors associated with colonic perforation due to colonoscopy.

METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients were retrospectively eligible for inclusion if they were 18 years and older and had an inpatient or outpatient colonoscopy procedure code in any facility within the Geisinger Health System during the period from January 1, 2002 to August 25, 2010. Data are presented as median and inter-quartile range, for continuous variables, and as frequency and percentage for categorical variables. Baseline comparisons across those with and without a perforation were made using the two-sample t-test and Pearson’s χ² test, as appropriate.

RESULTS: A total of 50 perforations were diagnosed out of 80118 colonoscopies, which corresponded to an incidence of 0.06% (95%CI: 0.05-0.08) or a rate of 6.2 per 10000 colonoscopies. All possible risk factors associated with colonic perforation with a P-value < 0.1 were checked for inclusion in a multivariable log-binomial regression model predicting 7-d colonic perforation. The final model resulted in the following risk factors which were significantly associated with risk of colonic perforation: age, gender, body mass index, albumin level, intensive care unit (ICU) patients, inpatient setting, and abdominal pain and Crohn’s disease as indications for colonoscopy.

CONCLUSION: The cumulative 7 d incidence of colonic perforation in this cohort was 0.06%. Advanced age and female gender were significantly more likely to have perforation. Increasing albumin and BMI resulted in decreased risk of colonic perforation. Having a colonoscopy indication of abdominal pain or Crohn’s disease resulted in a higher risk of colonic perforation. Colonoscopies performed in inpatients and particularly the ICU setting had substantially greater odds of perforation. Biopsy and polypectomy did not increase the risk of perforation and only three perforations occurred with screening colonoscopy.

[Colonoscopy quality control as a requirement of colorectal cancer screening]

The strategies used in population-based colorectal screening strategies culminate in colonoscopy and consequently the success of these programs largely depends on the quality of this diagnostic test. The main factors to consider when evaluating quality are scientific-technical quality, safety, patient satisfaction, and accessibility. Quality indicators allow variability among hospitals, endoscopy units and endoscopists to be determined and can identify those not achieving recommended standards. In Spain, the working group for colonoscopy quality of the Spanish Society of Gastroenterology and the Spanish Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have recently drawn up a Clinical Practice Guideline that contains the available evidence on the quality of screening colonoscopy, as well as the basic requirements that must be met by endoscopy units and endoscopists carrying out this procedure. The implementation of training programs and screening colonoscopy quality controls are strongly recommended to guarantee the success of population-based colorectal cancer screening.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy in Nigeria--a prospective two year audit

Introduction

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is currently performed by different specialties. Information on GI endoscopy resources in Nigeria is limited. Training, cost, availability and maintenance of equipment are some unique challenges. Despite these challenges, the quality and completion rates are important.

Methods

Prospective audit of endoscopic procedures by an endoscopist in a Nigerian hospital over a 24 month period.

Results

One hundred and ninety endoscopic procedures were performed in 187 patients (109 male, 78 female) by a surgeon during this period. Mean age was 47.6 years (range 17 - 90 years). All patients were symptomatic. One hundred and twenty-two procedures (64.2%) were upper GI endoscopy, 52 (27.4%) colonoscopy and 16 (8.4%) sigmoidoscopy. Majority of endoscopies 182 (95.8%) were performed electively and only 7 (3.7%) were therapeutic. Upper GI endoscopy findings included 14 (11.5%) cases of peptic ulcer disease, 5 complicated by gastric outlet obstruction, and 21 (17.3%) cases of upper gastrointestinal cancer. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy findings included 7 cases of polyps, 3 cases of colorectal cancer and 2 cases of diverticulosis. Commonest lesion on lower GI endoscopy was haemorrhoids (41.7%). Adjusted caecal intubation was 81.4% for colonoscopies performed. Overall adenoma detection rate for male and female patients were 18.2% and 5.3% respectively; in patients over 50 years these were 6.3% and 14.3%. Two complications, rupture of oesophageal varices, and respiratory arrest in bulbar palsy patient occurred.

Conclusion

An endoscopist can perform GI endoscopy effectively in developing countries like Nigeria but attention to equipment need and training is important.

Volume and accreditation, but not specialty, affect quality standards in colonoscopy

BACKGROUND

The Global Rating Scale, defined by the Joint Advisory Group for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, requires monitoring of endoscopic performance indicators. There are known variations in colonoscopic performance, and investigation of factors causing this is needed. This study aimed to analyse the impact of endoscopist specialty and procedural volume on the quality of colonoscopy.

METHODS

Data collected prospectively from a UK hospital endoscopy service between June 2007 and January 2010 were analysed. The main endpoint was the adenoma detection rate (ADR). Secondary endpoints were polyp detection rate (PDR), reported caecal intubation rate (CIR) and reported complications. Multivariable binary regression models were built to adjust for confounding patient-level and endoscopist-level variation.

RESULTS

A total of 10,026 colonoscopies were included, with an overall ADR of 19.2 per cent, a CIR of 90.2 per cent and a perforation rate of 0.06 per cent. In univariable analyses, surgeons had a higher ADR and higher PDR, but lower CIR, compared with physicians. Surgeons had a significantly different case mix in terms of age, sex and indication for colonoscopy. After adjusting for this case mix in multivariable analysis, specialty was no longer a significant predictor of ADR; however, surgeons retained their higher PDR and physicians their higher CIR. Endoscopists accredited for screening and those performing more than 100 colonoscopies per year had a higher ADR.

CONCLUSION

Adjusting for case mix, physicians and surgeons performed equally well in terms of ADR. Accreditation and a higher annual number of colonoscopies were more important factors in achieving quality standards.

Difficult colonoscopies in the propofol era

BACKGROUND

To study the relationship between endoscopic practice and adverse events during colonoscopy under standard deep sedation induced and monitored by an anesthetist.

METHODS

We investigated the routine activity of an endoscopy center at the Padova University teaching hospital. We considered not only endoscopic and cardiorespiratory complications, but also the need to use high-dose propofol to complete the procedure, and the inability to complete the procedure. Variables relating to the patient's clinical conditions, bowel preparation, the endoscopist's and the anesthetist's experience, and the duration of the procedure were input in the model.

RESULTS

617 procedures under deep sedation were performed with a 5% rate of adverse events. The average dose of propofol used was 2.6 ± 1.2 mg/kg. In all, 14 endoscopists and 42 anesthetists were involved in the procedures. The logistic regression analysis identified female gender (OR=2.3), having the colonoscopy performed by a less experienced endoscopist (OR=1.9), inadequate bowel preparation (OR=3.2) and a procedure lasting longer than 17.5 minutes (OR=1.6) as the main risk factors for complications. An ASA score of 2 carried a 50% risk reduction (OR=0.5).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our model showed that none of the variables relating to anesthesiological issues influenced which procedures would prove difficult.

Endoscopy in the patient on antithrombotic therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The management of antithrombotics during the periendoscopic period is a common clinical problem. This review focuses on recent literature addressing this issue, primarily on articles published from 2009 to 2012.

RECENT FINDINGS

A large proportion of the studies retrieved focused on the effect of antithrombotics on bleeding risk following diagnostic endoscopy, polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection, and submucosal dissection, whereas studies involving other endoscopic procedures were scarce. Recent American and European guidelines direct the management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing endoscopy according to the procedure's risk of bleeding and the patient's thromboembolic risk. The difficulty in determining a priori the need for endotherapy and hence appropriate classification of risk of bleeding prior to the procedure is a potential limitation of such classification. Moreover, most studies have primarily addressed the risk of immediate or early bleeding by proposing interruption of antithrombotic therapy prior to endotherapy, and few have focused on the risk of delayed bleeding and the optimal time for resumption of these agents following high-risk procedures.

SUMMARY

Management of patients on antithrombotics remains complex, especially in high-risk settings. Existing guidelines are valuable but should not be a substitute for a careful personalized risk assessment strategy involving patient and physician.

A tandem colonoscopy study of adenoma miss rates during endoscopic training: a venture into uncharted territory

BACKGROUND

Tandem colonoscopy is regarded as the reference standard for the evaluation of the adenoma detection rate (ADR) and adenoma miss rate (AMR) during colonoscopy. Pooled results from previous tandem studies yield AMRs of 22%. The AMR of trainees is important to estimate the number of colonoscopies required to develop competence in screening for colorectal neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the ADR and AMR of trainees as a function of experience.

METHODS

Prospective tandem colonoscopy study at an academic VA medical center. A trainee initially attempted colonoscopy. If the trainee was able to intubate the cecum, the trainee performed the withdrawal, and the colonoscopy was then repeated by the attending physician to assess the AMR.

RESULTS

Twelve trainee endoscopists were included in the study. Trainees had between 0 and 33 months of previous endoscopic experience and had done between 0 and 605 previous colonoscopies. A total of 230 patients were evaluated for the study, and 218 patients were enrolled. Complete tandem colonoscopy was performed in 147 patients. There was a 54% ADR. The mean (standard deviation) size of the adenomas in the cohort was 5.9 (5.3) mm. Significant variables in multivariate logistic regression analysis for missed adenomas were trainee experience (P = .011) and patient age (P < .001). The AMR decreased with increasing experience, and it is estimated that 450 colonoscopies are required to attain AMRs of less than 25% in a 60-year-old patient.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center study; the attending physician performing the second pass was not blinded to the first pass. The AMR was only analyzed for cases in which the trainee was able to reach the cecum with no or minimal assistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our tandem colonoscopy study demonstrates that the AMR decreases as the experience of trainees increases and is a late competency attained during training. Future training may need to incorporate these findings to serve as a basis for determining appropriate training guidelines.

Colonoscopias realizadas por médicos residentes em hospital universitário: análise consecutiva de 1000 casos

RACIONAL: A colonoscopia tem indicação para diagnóstico em pacientes sintomáticos e é eficaz no rastreamento e vigiância de pacientes assintomáticos. Tem potencial terapêutico em diversas situções, principalmente na remoção das lesões polipóides. A proficiência e a competência do endoscopista é o esteio para o sucesso da colonoscopia diagnóstica e terapêutica. OBJETIVO: Analisar as indicações, os achados diagnósticos, e as complicações de colonoscopias realizadas por médicos residentes em um hospital universitário. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 1.000 colonoscopias consecutivas realizadas por residentes de quarto ano, sob supervisão direta de colonoscopistas experientes. Foram obtidas informações sobre os dados demográficos dos pacientes, o preparo intestinal, as indicações para o procedimento, o sucesso do procedimento, os achados diagnósticos e as complicações. RESULTADOS: Foram examinados total de 596 (59,6%) mulheres e 404 (40,4%) homens. A idade variou de três a 99 anos (média 53,8). O preparo intestinal foi realizado com solução de manitol a 10% em 978 pacientes (97,8%), sendo considerada adequada em 97,6% dos casos. Principais indicações foram: diagnóstico (56,4%), terapêutica (9,6%), rastreamento (17,3%) e vigilância (22%). Taxas de intubação do ceco e válvula ileocecal foram 90,3 e 58,6%, respectivamente. A colonoscopia foi normal em 45,8% dos casos. O diagnóstico mais comum foi diverticulose (18,5%), seguido por pólipos (17%) e neoplasias (6,8%). Achados consistentes com um processo inflamatório foram identificados em 122 pacientes (12,2%) e anomalias vasculares foram detectadas em 11 pacientes (1,1%). Outros diagnósticos representaram 3,9% dos casos. Houve dois casos (0,2%) de complicações (hematoma e hemorragia submucosa), ambos após polipectomia, sem necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica. CONCLUSÃO: Os residentes sob supervisão e orientação de especialistas podem realizar colonoscopias com excelente resultado, baixo índice de complicações e com dados finais comparáveis aos obtidos por endoscopistas experientes.

Complication rates of colonic polypectomy in relation to polyp characteristics and techniques: a district hospital experience

BACKGROUND: Colonic polypectomy reduces the subsequent rate of development of colonic cancer but is not without its risks. We aimed to examine our complication rates in relation to the characteristics of polyps and techniques employed. METHODS: A database for all colonic polypectomies performed over a 3½-year period between 2006 and 2009 was matched against all patients readmitted after an endoscopy. Serious complications post-polypectomy were defined as events leading to readmission within 14 days. RESULTS: We performed 2106 polypectomies on 1252 patients in this period. Fourteen patients or 24 (1.1%) polypectomies experienced complications. Two patients (0.09%) experienced perforation, 10 (0.47%) had bleeding and 3 (0.14%) had post-polypectomy syndromes. Our bleeding rate was 1:211, lower than the national standard of 1:100. No deaths were reported. Complication rates rose from 1% in the smallest group (1-10 mm) to 4.9% in the largest (>31 mm) but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.067). Right-colon polypectomies had a higher tendency of developing post-polypectomy syndrome and bleeding (p=0.002). Complication rates in snare polypectomies were not significantly different from that of hot biopsies (p=0.64). However, endoscopic mucosal resections (EMR) had significantly more complications compared to snares (p=0.045) and hot biopsies (p=0.026). CONCLUSION: We achieved lower bleeding rates than that published nationally. Hot biopsies did not carry a higher risk unlike EMRs. Although polyp size may be an important risk factor, statistical significance was not met. Ascending and transverse colon polypectomies carried the highest risks of complications.

Adverse events in older patients undergoing colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest that advancing age is an independent risk factor for experiencing adverse events during colonoscopy. Yet many of these studies are limited by small sample sizes and/or marked variation in reported outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence rates for specific adverse events in elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy and calculate incidence rate ratios for selected comparison groups.

SETTING AND PATIENTS

Elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Perforation, bleeding, cardiovascular (CV)/pulmonary complications, and mortality.

RESULTS

Our literature search yielded 3328 articles, of which 20 studies met our inclusion criteria. Pooled incidence rates for adverse events (per 1000 colonoscopies) in patients 65 years of age and older were 26.0 (95% CI, 25.0-27.0) for cumulative GI adverse events, 1.0 (95% CI, 0.9-1.5) for perforation, 6.3 (95% CI, 5.7-7.0) for GI bleeding, 19.1 (95% CI, 18.0-20.3) for CV/pulmonary complications, and 1.0 (95% CI, 0.7-2.2) for mortality. Among octogenarians, adverse events (per 1000 colonoscopies) were as follows: cumulative GI adverse event rate of 34.9 (95% CI, 31.9-38.0), perforation rate of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.1-1.9), GI bleeding rate of 2.4 (95% CI, 1.1-4.6), CV/pulmonary complication rate of 28.9 (95% CI, 26.2-31.8), and mortality rate of 0.5 (95% CI, 0.06-1.9). Patients 80 years of age and older experienced higher rates of cumulative GI adverse events (incidence rate ratio 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9) and had a greater risk of perforation (incidence rate ratio 1.6, 95% CI, 1.2-2.1) compared with younger patients (younger than 80 years of age). There was an increased trend toward higher rates of GI bleeding and CV/pulmonary complications in octogenarians but neither was statistically significant.

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity of studies included and not all complications related to colonoscopy were captured.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients, especially octogenarians, appear to have a higher risk of complications during and after colonoscopy. These data should inform clinical decision making, the consent process, public health policy, and comparative effectiveness analyses.

Delayed presentation of splenic injury following diagnostic colonoscopy

Splenic injury (SI) is a rare complication after colonoscopy, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain following this procedure. We report a case of delayed rupture and review pertinent literature. A 70-year-old patient on oral warfarin intake underwent colonoscopy that diagnosed obstructive rectal cancer and elongated colon conditioning the endoscope's passage. After 48 h, patient experienced sharp abdominal pain with mild peritoneal signs. Contrast-enhanced CT scan evidenced large amount of abdominal-free blood collection from grade II SI. Hypovolemic shock occurred following brief clinical observation. Urgent laparotomic splenectomy and contextual Hartmann's procedure were then carried out. Postoperative course was uneventful and definitive histology confirmed splenic subcapsular haematoma and locally advanced adenocarcinoma. Perforation and bleeding more likely occurred after colonoscopy, while few cases of SI are reported in literature since 1974. Traction on the splenocolic ligament and direct trauma has been advocated as possible causes. Peritoneal adhesions and splenic diseases usually are predisposing factors although not confirmed in our patient. Anticoagulant therapy favoured delayed filling up of subcapsular haematoma while bowel obstruction added further surgical challenge. Rapid onset of hemorrhagic shock required urgent splenectomy that remains the procedure of choice among the literature reviewed.

Splenic rupture after screening colonoscopy: case report and literature review

Splenic rupture is a rare complication after colonoscopy, and to date there are only 46 reported cases in the English-language literature. Presented is a case report of splenic rupture after screening colonoscopy that resulted in laparotomy and splenectomy within 24 hours of the original procedure. The article covers the hypothesized mechanisms of injury, various precautions to take during colonoscopy, suggested diagnostic algorithm, determining factors in treatment, and vaccine regimen. The article concludes by stating that as the number of colonoscopies increase, so will the prevalence of associated complications, and that physicians are encouraged to understand this paradigm shift.

Analysis of administrative data finds endoscopist quality measures associated with postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Most quality indicators for colonoscopy measure processes; little is known about their relationship to patient outcomes. We investigated whether characteristics of endoscopists, determined from administrative data, are associated with development of postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC).

METHODS

We identified individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Ontario from 2000 to 2005 using the Ontario Cancer Registry. We determined performance of colonoscopy using Ontario Health Insurance Plan data. Patients who had complete colonoscopies 7 to 36 months before diagnosis were defined as having a PCCRC. Patients who had complete colonoscopies within 6 months of diagnosis had detected cancers. We determined if endoscopist factors (volume, polypectomy and completion rate, specialization, and setting) were associated with PCCRC using logistic regression, controlling for potential covariates.

RESULTS

In the study, 14,064 patients had a colonoscopy examination within 36 months of diagnosis; 584 (6.8%) with distal and 676 (12.4%) with proximal tumors had PCCRC. The endoscopist's specialty (nongastroenterologist/nongeneral surgeon) and setting (non-hospital-based colonoscopy) were associated with PCCRC. Those who underwent colonoscopy by an endoscopist with a high completion rate were less likely to have a PCCRC (distal: odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.97; P = .03; proximal: OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53-0.97; P = .002). Patients with proximal cancers undergoing colonoscopy by endoscopists who performed polypectomies at high rates had a lower risk of PCCRC (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42-0.89; P < .0001). Endoscopist volume was not associated with PCCRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopist characteristics derived from administrative data are associated with development of PCCRC and have potential use as quality indicators.

Utilization and predictors of early repeat colonoscopy in Medicare beneficiaries

OBJECTIVES

Early repeat colonoscopy after an index examination may be justifiable, but may also reflect quality issues during the first examination. The aims of this study were to examine the use of second colonoscopy within 1 year of an index colonoscopy, and to examine patient and provider factors associated with use of early repeat colonoscopy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study using a 20% nationally representative sample of 2003 Medicare claims. Patients aged ≥ 66 years undergoing colonoscopy were included in this study. We identified the use of second colonoscopy and barium enema within 1 year of the index procedure. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the independent predictors of these procedures.

RESULTS

We included 328,167 outpatient colonoscopies. In all, 5% had second colonoscopy and 2.2% had barium enema within 1 year of the index examination. Early repeat colonoscopy was more common if the index examination was performed by a family physician (odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.23-1.56), general surgeon (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.27) or internist (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.23) compared with a gastroenterologist, or after colonoscopies by an endoscopist in the lower quartiles of colonoscopy volume compared with endoscopists in the highest quartile. Increasing patient age and comorbidity, polyp detection, biopsy, polyp removal, incomplete index examination, and site of service were also significantly associated with early repeat colonoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Early repeat colonoscopy is not unusual. The association of specialty and colonoscopy volume with early repeat colonoscopy suggests that there are modifiable processes of care or training that may prevent some of these repeat procedures.

Transparent cap improves patients' tolerance of colonoscopy and shortens examination time by inexperienced endoscopists

OBJECTIVE

Up to 10% of colonoscopy procedures cannot be completed and polyps may be missed because of patients' discomfort and the endoscopists' technique. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of attaching a transparent cap to improve the outcome, especially for inexperienced endoscopists.

METHODS

A total of 250 patients were randomized to undergoing either a cap-fitted colonoscopy (CCF) or a normal colonoscopy without a cap (NCCF). The procedures were performed by an experienced or inexperienced endoscopist, and the time to reach the cecum, the total colonoscopy time and the polyp detection rate were recorded. Visual analogue scales (VAS) assessing the severity of abdominal pain and distension were obtained.

RESULTS

For the experienced endoscopist there was no difference between CCF and NCCF on the time to reach the cecum and the time for the whole procedure. But for the inexperienced endoscopist, both times were significantly shorter in the CCF group than in the NCCF group (9.48 min vs. 12.45 min; 18.50 min vs. 21.89 min, respectively, P < 0.05). No complication was observed except some abdominal pain and distension. The VAS scores of abdominal pain and distension were significantly lower in CCF group than those in the NCCF group for the two endoscopists. There was no significant difference in the number of polyps found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

A cap-fitted colonoscopy can shorten the examination time for inexperienced endoscopists. It can also reduce the patients' discomfort during the procedure.

Maximizing the general success of cecal intubation during propofol sedation in a multi-endoscopist academic centre

BACKGROUND

Achieving the target of 95% colonoscopy completion rate at centres conducting colorectal screening programs is an important issue. Large centres and teaching hospitals employing endoscopists with different levels of training and expertise risk achieving worse results. Deep sedation with propofol in routine colonoscopy could maximize the results of cecal intubation.

METHODS

The present study on the experience of a single centre focused on estimating the overall completion rate of colonoscopies performed under routine propofol sedation at a large teaching hospital with many operators involved, and on assessing the factors that influence the success rate of the procedure and how to improve this performance, analyzing the aspects relating to using of deep sedation. Twenty-one endoscopists, classified by their level of specialization in colonoscopic practice, performed 1381 colonoscopies under deep sedation. All actions needed for the anaesthesiologist to restore adequate oxygenation or hemodynamics, even for transient changes, were recorded.

RESULTS

The "crude" overall completion rate was 93.3%. This finding shows that with routine deep sedation, the colonoscopy completion rate nears, but still does not reach, the target performance for colonoscopic screening programs, at centers where colonoscopists of difference experience are employed in such programs.Factors interfering with cecal intubation were: inadequate colon cleansing, endoscopists' expertise in colonoscopic practice, patients' body weight under 60 kg or age over 71 years, and the need for active intervention by the anaesthesiologist. The most favourable situation--a patient less than 71 years old with a body weight over 60 kg, an adequate bowel preparation, a "highly experienced specialist" performing the test, and no need for active anaesthesiological intervention during the procedure--coincided with a 98.8% probability of the colonoscopy being completed.

CONCLUSIONS

With routine deep sedation, the colonoscopy completion rate nears the target performance for colonoscopic screening programs, at centers where colonoscopists of difference experience are employed in such programs. Organizing the daily workload to prevent negative factors affecting the success rate from occurring in combination may enable up to 85% of incomplete procedures to be converted into successful colonoscopies.

FLS and FES: comprehensive models of training and assessment

The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic surgery (FLS) is a validated program for the teaching and evaluation of the basic knowledge and skills required to perform laparoscopic surgery. The educational component includes didactic, Web-based material and a simple, affordable physical simulator with specific tasks and a recommended curriculum. FLS certification requires passing a written multiple-choice examination and a proctored manual skills examination in the FLS simulator. The metrics for the FLS program have been rigorously validated to meet the highest educational standards, and certification is now a requirement for the American Board of Surgery. This article summarizes the validation process and the FLS-related research that has been done to date. The Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery is a program modeled after FLS with a similar mission for flexible endoscopy. It is currently in the final stages of development and will be launched in April 2010. The program also includes learning and assessment components, and is undergoing the same meticulous validation process as FLS. These programs serve as models for the creation of simulation-based tools to teach skills and assess competence with the intention of optimizing patient safety and the quality of surgical education.