Colonoscopy Withdrawal Times
Colonoscopy Withdrawal Times
There has been discussion amongst gastroenterologists as to whether extending the viewing time on withdrawal of the scope during a colonoscopy would yield a greater number of polyps found during these procedures.
A team of medical professionals in the Digestive Disease Center introduced 16 month study in which gastroenterologists would be required to increase their viewing time on withdrawal to at least seven minutes, in order to determine whether the additional time spent per procedure would result in a greater number of polyps found. While at the conclusion of the study the Center’s compliance with the seven minute timeframe were nearly 100%, the increase in number of polyps found was modest.
Studies such as this one are helpful in guiding gastroenterologists in determining optimum procedure methods while accounting for efficient operations and patient comfort.