摘要
Colonoscopy is the gold standard test for colorectal cancer screening. The primary advantage of colonoscopy as opposed to other screening modalities is the ability to provide therapy by removal of precancerous lesions at the time of detection. However, colonoscopy may miss clinically important neoplastic polyps. The value of colonoscopy in reducing incidence of colorectal cancer is dependent on many factors including, the patient, provider, and facility level. A high quality examination includes adequate bowel preparation, optimal colonoscopy technique, meticulous inspection during withdrawal, identification of subtle flat lesions, and complete polypectomy. Considerable variation among institutions and endoscopists has been reported in the literature. In attempt to diminish this disparity, various approaches have been advocated to improve the quality of colonoscopy. The overall impact of these interventions is not yet well defined. Implementing optimal education and training and subsequently analyzing the impact of these endeavors in improvement of quality will be essential to augment the utility of colonoscopy for the prevention of colorectal cancer.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard test for colorectalcancer screening. The primary advantage of colonoscopyas opposed to other screening modalities is the abilityto provide therapy by removal of precancerous lesionsat the time of detection. However, colonoscopy maymiss clinically important neoplastic polyps. The value ofcolonoscopy in reducing incidence of colorectal canceris dependent on many factors including, the patient,provider, and facility level. A high quality examinationincludes adequate bowel preparation, optimal colonoscopytechnique, meticulous inspection duringwithdrawal, identification of subtle flat lesions, andcomplete polypectomy. Considerable variation amonginstitutions and endoscopists has been reported in theliterature. In attempt to diminish this disparity, variousapproaches have been advocated to improve the qualityof colonoscopy. The overall impact of these interventionsis not yet well defined. Implementing optimal educationand training and subsequently analyzing the impactof these endeavors in improvement of quality will beessential to augment the utility of colonoscopy for theprevention of colorectal cancer.
