A prospective national study on colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy in 2000 in France

The aim of this study was to evaluate the practice of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy in France in 2000.

A prospective study was conducted in November 2000 using questionnaires sent to all gastroenterologists practicing in France (N=2858) who were asked to reply to items concerning colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies performed on two workdays chosen in advance. The response rate was 32.8%. Data were extrapolated to establish estimates for the entire year.

An estimated 894000 colonoscopies and 115320 sigmoidoscopies were performed in 2000. Single-use material was used in 22.1% of the procedures. Indications for endoscopy were mainly hematochezia (21.6%), gastrointestinal symptoms (35%) and surveillance of patients with a history of previous polypectomy (15%). Colorectal cancer screening was the indication for 20% of colonoscopies. Abnormal findings were reported for 54.8% of the endoscopies (polyps for 287218 procedures and cancer for 32799). Failure was noted in 4.9% of colonoscopies. The complication rate was 0.48%. Most polyps were adenomas (64.4%) or hyperplasic polyps (28.1%). The overall estimated number of colonoscopies with polypectomy was 224133.

In 2000 there was an increased rate of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening (20%) but an overall decrease (2.5%) in the total number of colonoscopies compared to 1999. Abnormal findings were disclosed by 54.8% of the procedures. Extrapolation from these data indicates that colonoscopic screening enabled the diagnosis of 32799 colorectal cancers.