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Timing of Colonoscopy Influences Polyp Detection Rate
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Colonoscopies performed in the morning are associated with a significantly higher rate of polyp detection, according to data presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons 2015 Annual Meeting.
In order to evaluate the effect of timing variables on colonoscopy polyp detection rate, investigators analyzed a prospective colonoscopy database to compare polyp detection rates for 585 elective outpatient completed colonoscopies with adequate bowel preparation performed during a 4-hour morning shift (52.3%) vs. a 4-hour afternoon shift (47.7%) during a span of 1 year. Cancer surveillance colonoscopies were not included.
Mean age of patients was 59 ± 14 years and adenoma detection rate was 26% overall. Polyp detection rate was 30% in the morning shift compared with 22% in the afternoon (P = .02). Mean withdrawal time (excluding time needed for polypectomy) was 12 minutes in the morning shift compared with 9.9 minutes in the afternoon (P = .002). A multiple regression model showed that morning colonoscopies were associated with longer withdrawal time and subsequently increased polyp detection rate (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.02-2.61).
Therefore, timing of colonoscopy is an independent predictor for polyp detection rate, the researchers concluded, which may be explained by endoscopists’ decreased concentration as the day progresses. – by Adam Leitenberger
Reference:
Teng TY, et al. Abstract S009. Presented at: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Annual Meeting; April 15-18, 2015; Nashville, Tennessee.
Disclosure: Relevant financial disclosures were not provided.