Quality assurance in colonoscopy for colorectal cancer diagnosis

International audienceColonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer, but its effectiveness is diminished by operator-dependent factors. Therefore, quality assurance programs should be implemented in all colonoscopy practices. Adherence to quality performance measures varies among different countries, and physicians seem reluctant to adopt them. We provide an overview of the existing guidelines for colonoscopy quality assurance, and a summary of the quality control initiatives in Belgium and the surrounding countries

Quality assurance and recommendations for quality assessment of screening colonoscopy in Belgium.

As population-wide screening for colorectal cancer is adopted by many western countries for all individuals aged 50-75. The success of screening colonoscopy programs is highly dependent on the quality of the procedures. High-quality complete endoscopy with excellent patient preparation and adequate withdrawal time is necessary for effectively reducing colon cancer risk. In Belgium formal quality assurance programs and principles of credentialing do not exist. The current reimbursement system for colonoscopy does not reward a careful performed examination but rapidly performed examinations at unnecessarily short intervals. There is a clear need for evidence-based quality measures to ensure the quality of screening colonoscopy. In this guideline review we present an overview of the literature concerning criteria for best practice and important quality indicators for colonoscopy. A summary of the latest guidelines is given. Our goal of this update is to provide practical guidelines for endoscopists performing screening colonoscopy. We hope to provide a broad consensus and an increasing adherence to these recommendations

Familial adenomatous polyposis: clinical presentation, detection and surveillance.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer related death in the western countries. It remains an important health problem, often under-diagnosed. The symptoms can appear very late and about 25% of the patients are diagnosed at metastatic stage. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited colorectal cancer syndrome, characterized by the early onset of hundred to thousands of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum. Left untreated, there is a nearly 100% cumulative risk of progression to CRC by the age of 35-40 years, as well as an increased risk of various other malignancies. CRC can be prevented by the identification of the high risk population and by the timely implementation of rigid screening programs which will lead to special medico-surgical interventions

Quality assurance in colonoscopy for colorectal cancer diagnosis

International audienceColonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer, but its effectiveness is diminished by operator-dependent factors. Therefore, quality assurance programs should be implemented in all colonoscopy practices. Adherence to quality performance measures varies among different countries, and physicians seem reluctant to adopt them. We provide an overview of the existing guidelines for colonoscopy quality assurance, and a summary of the quality control initiatives in Belgium and the surrounding countries