Importance of Screening Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in Qatar

Abstract

Since 1920, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been linked to increased incidence and mortality from colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). Several studies have found that screening colonoscopy reduced CRC mortality and improved survival in IBD patients. However, there are little or no data about the prevalence of CRC/Dysplasia in Qatar detected by screening colonoscopy and weather the Qatar gastroenterologists adhere to the international guidelines. Thus, the focus of the present study was to examine the rate of CRC and dysplasia in IBD patients who underwent a screening colonoscopy. The sample consisted of 153 patients who were diagnosed and treated for IBD. The results of the study showed high incidence rate of CRC/Dysplasia among IBD patients and it was also found that the gastroenterologists in Qatar did not strictly adhere to the international guidelines in relation to the time of first screening colonoscopy of IBD patients.