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Abstract
Introduction The endoscopy literature1 2 has raised concerns regarding variations in polyp detection rates during the day. One mechanism for this is thought to be operator fatigue which increases as the day progresses. However, published data so far has been conflicting.3 4 This is worrying as one purpose of colonoscopy is to detect and remove polyps in order to prevent cancer via the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Therefore polyp detection rates in the East Anglian Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) between 2006 and 2011 were reviewed and analysed. Bowel cancer screening colonoscopies in England are conducted for individuals between the ages of 60 and 74 with a positive faecal occult blood test. The procedures are performed by accredited bowel cancer screening colonoscopists under gold standard conditions.
Methods The National Health Service BCSP database was retrospectively interrogated and polyp detection rates were calculated.
Results In total 19 152 bowel cancer screen procedures were performed between the hours of 07:00 and 17:00. Although there is a variation in the number of procedures performed per hour 325–3445 (see Abstract PWE-102 figure 1), less at the beginning and end of a list, there is no significant difference in the polyp detection rate. Differences in polyp detection rates were calculated from the data for 08:00 (the baseline).
Conclusion No significant difference in polyp detection rates by time of day was detected in patients undergoing colonoscopy through a national bowel cancer screening programme. This should reassure endoscopists and patients alike.
Competing interests None declared.
References 1. Lee A, Iskander JM, Gupta N, et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2011;106:1475–65.
2. Long MD, Martin C, Sandler RS, et al. J Clin Gastroenterol 2011;45:253–8.
3. Munson GW, Harewood GC, Francis DL. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2011;73:467–75.
4. Gurudu SR, Ratuapli SK, Leighton JA, et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2011;106:1466–71.