ARE QUALITY INDICATORS IMPORTANT IN COLONOSCOPIES? ANALYSIS OF 3,076 EXAMS IN A PRIVATE TERTIARY SERVICE IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL.

Background: The carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer is well understood. Adenomas are the precursor lesions in about 70% of cases, highlighting the importance of screening programs.

Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of colonoscopy examinations performed in a private tertiary service by calculating the polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR) and comparing these rates with literature data.

Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated colonoscopies performed at Hospital Centro Médico de Campinas between 2018 and 2020. It assessed the indications and complications of colonoscopy, sex, age group, bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate, ADR, PDR, and advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR).

Results: During the period, 3,686 colonoscopies were performed, and 3,076 were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 57.2 years, and most patients were female (53.5%). Complications occurred in 39 colonoscopies (1.3%), with bleeding in six cases and perforation in one case. Tubular adenoma was the most prevalent histological subtype found in 20% of tests and in 62.7% of those with positive findings. The PDR was 23% and significantly increased with advancing age (p<0.01). The ADR was 20% and also significantly increased with age (p<0.001). This rate was higher in men (27%). The AADR was 4%.

Conclusions: Colonoscopy is an effective polyp detection method, and the PDR was higher in men and significantly increased with age. The ADR and AADR were comparable to the literature data.