Introduction Colonoscopy is an important investigation having a diagnostic and therapeutic role. Over five years an audit of colonoscopies has been conducted at UHL NHS Trust.

Aims/Background Assess: 1. Success rate of colonoscopies performed in UHL between September 2011 and 2012. This will be compared with the results of audits in 2006–2007, 2007–2008, and 2010–2011. 2. Complication rate

Standards: 1. Caecal Intubation: >90% & 2. Perforation rate: <1:1000

Method The colonoscopy database was searched for all colonoscopies performed on patients aged eighteen and above in UHL between September 2011 and 2012. The procedural notes were analysed looking for: caecal visualisation; reasons for failure and complications. Additionally all patients presenting to UHL hospitals with a diagnosis of perforation were compared against the database to identify potential late perforations.

Results 4001 colonoscopies were performed over the audit period. 3680 (92%) were successful. There were 80 complications (2%) in total. The commonest complications were difficult intubation and patient distress with 52 (1.3%) and 16 (0.4%) instances respectively. 3 (0.07%) perforations occurred. 1 perforation occurred during colonoscopy and 2 potential delayed perforations presented 15 and 18 days post colonoscopy. Success rate over 5 years: 69% 2006–2007, 89% 2007–2008, 93% 2010–2011 and 92% 2011–2012.

Conclusion UHL achieved its colonoscopy targets with a success rate of 92% and a perforation rate of 3:4001. Over the past five years the success rate has improved from 69% to 92%. For the last two years UHL has achieved its targets with success rates of 93% and 92%. This shows the value of these audits in highlighting poor practice and prompting reflection and improvement.