Adenoma Detection Rates for Rural Surgeons

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with rising incidence.
• Colonoscopies are crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Rural populations face significant barriers to accessing colonoscopy services due to a shortage of gastroenterologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adenoma detection rates (ADR) of general surgeons compared to colorectal surgeons in a rural setting.
• To assess the quality of colonoscopies performed by rural general surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of electronic health records from a rural Oregon practice (January 2020 - June 2024).
• Inclusion of screening and surveillance colonoscopies.
• Comparison of ADRs between colorectal and general surgeons.

Main Results:

• A total of 4264 screening and 3663 surveillance colonoscopies were analyzed.
• All surgeons, including general surgeons, demonstrated ADRs above national benchmarks for male, female, and overall patient groups.
• Specific ADRs for colorectal surgeon: 50% (screening), 59% (surveillance); General surgeons: 40-50% (screening), 50-56% (surveillance).

Conclusions:

• Rural general surgeons are capable of performing high-quality colonoscopies.
• Their adenoma detection rates meet or exceed national benchmarks, comparable to gastroenterologists.
• General surgeons can effectively help address the demand for colonoscopies in rural areas.