Surgeon-initiated screening colonoscopy program based on SAGES and ASCRS recommendations in a general surgery...

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Cancer Screening
• General Surgery
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• A significant proportion of patients undergoing general surgery may not have had adequate colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.
• General surgeons play a role in identifying patients who could benefit from CRC screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a screening colonoscopy program initiated by general surgeons.
• To determine the utility of general surgeons in promoting CRC screening.

Main Methods:

• Patients presenting to general surgeons for new consultations were assessed for prior CRC screening.
• Eligible patients who had not been screened were offered screening colonoscopies or referred to gastroenterologists.

Main Results:

• During a 9-month period, 200 patients meeting CRC screening indications were evaluated; only 46% reported prior screenings.
• Of those electing screening with surgeons, 57 underwent colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
• 18% of screened patients required intervention, including polypectomies and partial colectomies.

Conclusions:

• General surgeons encounter many patients who have not undergone CRC screening, highlighting the need for routine screening recommendations.
• Colonoscopic findings requiring intervention are common in this patient population, underscoring the importance of screening.