Endoscopy 1999; 31(7): 522-527
DOI: 10.1055/s-1999-54
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Quality Assurance and Colonoscopy

G. Minoli 1 , G. Meucci 1 , A. Prada 2 , V. Terruzzi 1 , A. Bortoli 2 , R. Gullotta 3 , F. Rocca 4 , E. Lesinigo 4 , M. Curzio 3
  • 1 Division of Medicine, Valduce Hospital, Como, Italy
  • 2 Division of Medicine, Rho Hospital, Rho, Italy
  • 3 Gastroenterology Unit, Circolo di Varese Hospital, Varese, Italy
  • 4 Medical Unit, Busto Arsizio Hospital, Busto Arsizio, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 1999 (online)

Background and Study Aims: Little is known concerning the usefulness and feasibility of quality assurance programs in gastrointestinal departments. The aim of this study was to identify the indicators of quality in colonoscopy, to check their use in clinical practice, and to identify their threshold values.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed in four endoscopic units. In the first phase, a questionnaire was used to identify the indicators that were considered important and easy to record; in the second phase, the selected items were prospectively recorded.

Results: Data from 603 colonoscopies were evaluated. The selected indicators were: rate of cecal intubation, rate of examinations with normal findings, rates of complications, appropriateness of indications, use of a washing machine for disinfection, duration of the disin-fection procedure, rate of procedures repeated due to poor colon cleansing, rate of operative procedures, length of waiting time, rate of procedures performed for follow-up of known disease, experience of the operator, and rate of procedures performed with the patient under conscious sedation. A striking difference emerged between the technical standards at three centers, which were fairly good, and the standard at the fourth center, which was less satisfactory. The length of the waiting time was high in all centers, as well as the rate of examinations conducted with an inappropriate indication. The rate of procedures performed under conscious sedation varied widely between the centers.

Conclusions: The study of the indicators of quality of colonoscopy is feasible and easy to perform in clinical practice, and can be useful for quality assurance programs.

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G. MinoliM.D. 

II Divisione di Medicina

Ospedale Generale di Zona Valduce

Via Dante 11

22100 Como

Italy

Phone: +39-031-308047

Email: gminoli@valduce.it