Indications for colonoscopy. An analysis based on indications and diagnostic yield

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery
• Diagnostic Procedures

Background:

• Open access colonoscopy is not always practical.
• Patient selection may be necessary for colonoscopy.
• Evaluating indications and diagnostic yield is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze colonoscopy indications and diagnostic yield.
• To assess the suitability of colonoscopy for various indications.
• To propose a patient selection strategy based on diagnostic yield.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of one year of colonoscopic data.
• Inclusion of 448 colonoscopy procedures.
• Categorization of procedures by seven major indications.

Main Results:

• Highest diagnostic yields for rectal bleeding (69.1%), 'other' (66.7%), and polyp follow-up (53.3%).
• Moderate yields for iron deficiency anaemia (47.7%) and abnormal bowel habit (46.8%).
• Lower yields for abdominal pain (38.2%) and cancer follow-up (21%).

Conclusions:

• Colonoscopy demonstrates variable diagnostic utility across different indications.
• Patient selection for colonoscopy should prioritize indications with higher diagnostic yields.
• This approach optimizes resource allocation in settings with limited colonoscopy capacity.