Prevalence of Adenomas during Screening Colonoscopy Using a Comprehensive Colonoscopy Screening Protocol

Abstract

Purpose: Background and Aim: The adenoma detection rate is an independent predictor of the risk of interval colorectal cancer after screening colonoscopy. A number of techniques have been shown to maximize adenoma detection. We incorporated a comprehensive colonoscopy screening protocol that includes: 1. Ensuring a clean quality of colon preparation; 2. Cecal intubation in over 95%; 3. Colonoscope withdrawal time > 6 min; 4. Colonoscopy Screening Techniques for better adenoma detection (a. Use of a cap fitted endoscope to examine behind the folds; b. Patient position change to optimize distention of the colon; c. Eyes trained to detect flat lesions after looking at several flat lesions' images & videos). We have reported the effect of combining all these various techniques to maximize adenoma detection rate in 100 consecutive average risk patients (pts) undergoing screening colonoscopy previously. We report the adenoma detection rate in larger pool of 535 consecutive patients undergoing their first screening colonoscopy from 2009-2011. Methods: Endoscopist: Screening colonoscopy was performed by a single operator. Patients (pts): 535 consecutive patients undergoing screening colonoscopy from 2009-2011 were included in the study. Average risk pts: 495. Increased risk pts (Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps <60 years): 40. We used the comprehensive colonoscopy screening protocol to maximize adenoma detection in all patients during screening. Colonoscopy Report: The data was recorded in a structured colonoscopy report with well-defined fields to capture all the data. Main Outcome Measurements: We analyzed the adenoma detection rates. Results: Mean age: 58.3 ± 7.7; Sex: Men: Women: 220:315; BMI: 27.4 ± 5.4. Caucasians: 395(73.8%).The adenoma detection rate in screening population: 64.9%. The advanced adenoma detection rate (>1 cm adenoma or villous histology of any size or high grade dysplasia):14%.The multiple adenoma (≥ 3 adenomas) detection rate: 17%. The combined adenoma or proximal hyperplastic polyp detection rate: 69.7%. The proximal hyperplastic polyp detection rate: 15.3%. The serrated adenoma detection rate: 15%. The proximal hyperplastic polyp or serrated adenoma detection rate: 26.7%. See Table 1.Table: [1974] Prevalence of adenomas in 535 consecutive patients undergoing screening colonoscopies using a comprehensive colonoscopy screening protocolConclusion: Routine use of techniques to maximize adenoma detection result in persistent increase in adenoma detection rates, several fold higher than the adenoma detection rate set by the U.S Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (25% in men & 15% in women).