Short Interval Repeat Colonoscopy After Inadequate Bowel Preparation Is Low Among Veterans

Adenoma detection rate and interval colon cancer rates are associated with bowel preparation quality. The US Multisociety Task Force recommends repeat colonoscopy for individuals with inadequate bowel preparation (IBP) within 1 year. However, little is known regarding the rate and associated factors of repeat colonoscopy after IBP.

Individuals undergoing colonoscopy for screening, surveillance, positive fecal immunohistochemistry test, and virtual colonoscopy at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center from January 2016 to October 2021 were included. IBP was classified based on Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score or Aronchick scale.

A total of 10,466 individuals were included, of which 571 (5.5%) had IBP. Repeat colonoscopy within 1 year was recommended for 485 individuals (84.9%); 287 (59.2%) were completed within this time period and 126 (26.0%) never underwent repeat colonoscopy. Proximity to the endoscopy center was associated with a higher rate of repeat colonoscopy within 1 year (61.7% vs 51.0%, P = .02). Current smoking status was associated with a lower rate of repeat colonoscopy within 1 year (25.8% vs 35.9%, P = .02). There were no differences in age, sex, race, inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis, or opioid or anticoagulation use with adherence to repeat colonoscopy within 1 year. There was no difference in adherence to a timely repeat colonoscopy from 1 year before the COVID-19 pandemic (58.9%) vs 1 year postpandemic (59.9%).

The rate of IBP was 5.5%. Only 59.2% of those with IBP underwent recommended repeat colonoscopy within 1 year, and 26.0% never underwent repeat colonoscopy. Additional efforts are needed to ensure that individuals with IBP return for timely repeat colonoscopy.