Evaluation of Colonoscopic Procedures Performed in A University Hospital According to International Standards

Aim: Colonoscopy continues to be the most dependable technique for early detection of colorectal cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers globally. To enhance the effectiveness of colonoscopic procedures, various international quality benchmarks have been established. This study aimed to assess whether colonoscopies conducted at the Endoscopy Unit of the Gastroenterology Clinic at Fırat University Hospital met internationally recognized quality standards. Material and Method: This retrospective study analyzed 2,805 colonoscopy procedures performed between 2015 August and 2019 January. International quality indicators were used for evaluation. Due to the lack of recorded procedure times prior to November 2018, the data were categorized into two periods: 2015 August –2018 October and 2018 November –2019 January. Results: From August 2015 to October 2018, the adenoma detection rate was 36% in males and was 26.4% in females. From November 2018 to January 2019, the adenoma detection rate (ADR) increased to 27.5% in females and 43% in males. The cecal intubation rate was 82% in the earlier period and rose slightly to 84.4% in the latter. Sedation was administered in 91.4% of procedures during the first period and in 98% during the second. Procedure duration, recorded only in the latter period, averaged 13.6 minutes. Conclusion: The ADR observed in this study align with international benchmarks; however, cecal intubation and colorectal cancer detection rates were below the recommended standards. These findings indicate that procedural improvements are necessary to meet international quality criteria more consistently.