Receipt of Colonoscopy Following Diagnosis of Advanced Adenomas: An Analysis within Integrated Healthcare Delivery Systems.

BACKGROUND: To reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, experts recommend surveillance colonoscopy 3 years after advanced adenoma removal. Little is known about adherence to that interval. METHODS: We describe patterns of and factors associated with subsequent colonoscopy among persons with ≥3 adenomas and/or ≥1 adenoma with villous/tubulovillous histology in four U.S. integrated healthcare delivery systems. We report Kaplan-Meier estimators of the cumulative percentage of patients undergoing colonoscopy 6 months to 3.5 years after an index colonoscopy with high-risk findings. Combining data from three healthcare systems, we used multivariable logistic regression with inverse probability of censoring weights to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between patient characteristics and receipt of subsequent colonoscopy. RESULTS: Among 6,909 persons with advanced adenomas, the percent receiving a subsequent colonoscopy 6 months to 3.5 years later ranged from 18.3% (95% CI: 11.7%-27.8%) to 59.5% (95% CI: 53.8%-65.2%) across healthcare systems. Differences remained significant in the multivariable model. Patients with ≥3 adenomas were more likely than those with 1 to 2 villous/tubulovillous adenomas to undergo subsequent colonoscopy. Subsequent colonoscopy was also more common for patients ages 60-74 and less common for patients ages 80 to 89 compared with those ages 50 to 54 years at their index colonoscopy. Sex, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity index score were generally not associated with subsequent colonoscopy receipt. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy within the recommended interval following advanced adenoma was underutilized and varied by healthcare system, age, and number of adenomas. IMPACT: Strategies to improve adherence to surveillance colonoscopy following advanced adenomas are needed.

Factors Associated With Shorter Colonoscopy Surveillance Intervals for Patients With Low-Risk Colorectal Adenomas and Effects on Outcome.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Endoscopists do not routinely follow guidelines to survey individuals with low-risk adenomas (LRAs; 1-2 small tubular adenomas, < 1 cm) every 5-10 years for colorectal cancer; many recommend shorter surveillance intervals for these individuals. We aimed to identify the reasons that endoscopists recommend shorter surveillance intervals for some individuals with LRAs and determine whether timing affects outcomes at follow-up examinations. METHODS: We collected data from 1560 individuals (45-75 years old) who participated in a prospective chemoprevention trial (of vitamin D and calcium) from 2004 through 2008. Participants in the trial had at least 1 adenoma, detected at their index colonoscopy, and were recommended to receive follow-up colonoscopy examinations at 3 or 5 years after adenoma identification, as recommended by the endoscopist. For this analysis we collected data from only participants with LRAs. These data included characteristics of participants and endoscopists and findings from index and follow-up colonoscopies. Primary endpoints were frequency of recommending shorter (3-year) vs longer (5-year) surveillance intervals, factors associated with these recommendations, and effect on outcome, determined at the follow-up colonoscopy. RESULTS: A 3-year surveillance interval was recommended for 594 of the subjects (38.1%). Factors most significantly associated with recommendation of 3-year vs a 5-year surveillance interval included African American race (relative risk [RR] to white, 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.75), Asian/Pacific Islander ethnicity (RR to white, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.22-2.43), detection of 2 adenomas at the index examination (RR vs 1 adenoma, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.27-1.71), more than 3 serrated polyps at the index examination (RR=2.16, 95% CI, 1.59-2.93), or index examination with fair or poor quality bowel preparation (RR vs excellent quality, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.66-2.83). Other factors that had a significant association with recommendation for a 3-year surveillance interval included family history of colorectal cancer and detection of 1-2 serrated polyps at the index examination. In comparisons of outcomes, we found no significant differences between the 3-year vs 5-year recommendation groups in proportions of subjects found to have 1 or more adenomas (38.8% vs 41.7% respectively; P = .27), advanced adenomas (7.7% vs 8.2%; P = .73) or clinically significant serrated polyps (10.0% vs 10.3%; P = .82) at the follow-up colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Possibly influenced by patients' family history, race, quality of bowel preparation, or number or size of polyps, endoscopists frequently recommend 3-year surveillance intervals instead of guideline-recommended intervals of 5 years or longer for individuals with LRAs. However, at the follow-up colonoscopy, similar proportions of participants have 1 or more adenomas, advanced adenomas, or serrated polyps. These findings support the current guideline recommendations of performing follow-up examinations of individuals with LRAs at least 5 years after the index colonoscopy.

Developing and Testing an Electronic Measure of Screening Colonoscopy Overuse in a Large Integrated Healthcare System.

BACKGROUND: Most existing performance measures focus on underuse of care, but there is growing interest in identifying and reducing overuse. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop a valid and reliable electronic performance measure of overuse of screening colonoscopy in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VA), and to quantify overuse in VA. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study with multiple cross-sections. SUBJECTS: U.S. Veterans who underwent screening colonoscopy between 2011 and 2013. MAIN MEASURES: Overuse of screening colonoscopy, using a validated electronic measure developed by an expert workgroup. KEY RESULTS: Compared to results obtained from manual record review, the electronic measure was highly specific (97 %) for overuse, but not sensitive (20 %). After exclusion of diagnostic and high-risk screening or surveillance procedures, the validated electronic measure identified 88,754 average-risk screening colonoscopies performed in VA during 2013. Of these, 20,530 (23 %) met the definition for probable (17 %) or possible (6 %) overuse. Substantial variation in colonoscopy overuse was noted between Veterans Integrated Care Networks (VISNs) and between facilities, with a nearly twofold difference between the maximum and minimum rates of overuse at the VISN level and a nearly eightfold difference at the facility level. Overuse at the VISN and facility level was relatively stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: Overuse of screening colonoscopy can be measured reliably and with high specificity using electronic data, and is common in a large integrated healthcare system. Overuse measures, such as those we have specified through a consensus workgroup process, could be combined with underuse measures to improve the appropriateness of colorectal cancer screening.

[Bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Any significant progress on the horizon?]. / Preparación para colonoscopia. ¿Algún avance significativo en el horizonte?

Colonoscopy is the method of choice for colorectal cancer screening. To be effective, screening colonoscopy must have high quality standards. The key element is the quality of the preparation. However, up to 20% of patients are inadequately prepared and, at present, anterograde washing is the least tolerated part of the procedure. In the choice of preparation, safety is a prerequisite and efficacy is a priority. Tolerance is a secondary but nevertheless influential factor in the quality of preparation and has consequently been the primary focus of many recent studies. In the last few years, a rapidly increasing number of studies have evaluated new drugs, dosages and adjuvant therapies to improve efficacy and tolerability. These studies have collaterally shown that inadequate preparation and lack of adherence to the prescribed regimen can be partially predicted, making it essential to identify this patient subgroup and invest the necessary effort in their instruction. New individualized and flexible approaches are expected for the different clinical scenarios. The search for the ideal colonoscopy preparation, which would be tolerable, safe and above all effective, remains open.

The role of primary care physicians in improving colorectal cancer screening in patients with HIV.

BACKGROUND: As HIV positive patients live longer, they become susceptible to the development of non-AIDS defining malignancies. Little is known about routine cancer screening practices in that population and the factors associated with cancer screening. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate 1) the proportion of patients with HIV who had any type of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and 2) whether having a primary care physician (PCP) or seeking care in an integrated care practice is associated with higher CRC screening. DESIGN: A cross-sectional chart abstraction study of patients with HIV enrolled in the Philadelphia Medical Monitoring Project (MMP). PARTICIPANTS: MMP participants age 50 and older. MAIN MEASURES: CRC screening defined as having a documented colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, or fecal occult blood test after the age of 50. KEY RESULTS: Out of 123 chart abstractions performed, 115 had a complete clinical record from MMP. The majority of the population was male (71.3%), Black/Hispanic (73.8%) and between the age of 50 and 59 (71.3%). 45.2% of patients did not have a PCP. The overall proportion of patients who received CRC screening was 46.9%. Having a documented PCP was the only factor strongly associated with CRC screening. Rates of screening were 66.7% among those with a PCP versus 28.5% among those without a PCP (χ(2) p < 0.001). After adjusting for race, socioeconomic status, substance and alcohol abuse, the odds of getting CRC screening in those with a PCP was 4.59 (95% CI 2.01-10.48, p < 0.001). The type of practice where patients were enrolled into care was not associated with CRC screening. CONCLUSIONS: Having a PCP significantly increases the likelihood of receiving CRC screening in patients with HIV. Competency in addressing primary care needs in HIV clinics will only become more important as patients with HIV age.

Adherence to follow-up after a positive fecal occult blood test in an organized colorectal cancer screening program in Korea, 2004-2008.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To investigate the participation rates, positivity rates, and follow-up rates from 2004 to 2008 in an organized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program using a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in Korea. METHODS: The study population was men and women aged 50 years or older who were invited to participate in the National Cancer Screening Program for CRC between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2008. We collected the FOBT results and follow-up information for the FOBT positives. RESULTS: Participation rates increased steadily each year from 10.5% in 2004 to 21.1% in 2008. Between 2004 and 2008, FOBT positivity rates declined from 8.0% to 6.8%. Among the FOBT-positives, 61.3% of participants underwent either colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema (DCBE) in 2004, and this rate decreased to 38.6% in 2008. Age, health insurance type, and screening history were associated with adherence to follow-up test after a positive FOBT. With regard to follow-up tests, colonoscopy rates increased from 17.9% in 2004 to 27.6% in 2008, while DCBE decreased from 43.4% in 2004 to 11.0% in 2008. Colonoscopy was significantly more likely to be chosen as a follow-up test by men, participants aged 50-59 years, and National Health Insurance beneficiaries. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that targeting participants for follow-up, based on age and previous screening history, could be a good way to improve the follow-up rate.

Longitudinal adherence to fecal occult blood testing impacts colorectal cancer screening quality.

OBJECTIVES: Existing cross-sectional quality measures for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening do not assess longitudinal adherence and thus may overestimate the quality of care. Our goal was to evaluate the adherence to repeated yearly fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) in order to better understand the extent to which longitudinal adherence may impact screening quality. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 1,122,645 patients aged 50-75 years seen at any of the 136 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers across the United States in 2000 and followed through 2005. The primary outcome was receipt of adequate CRC screening as defined by receipt of FOBTs in at least 4 out of 5 years or receipt of any number of FOBTs in addition to at least one colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or double-contrast barium enema. In a predefined subset of patients receiving exclusively FOBT, adherence with repeated testing was determined over the 5-year study period. RESULTS: Only 41.1% of men and 43.6% of women received adequate screening. Of the 384,527 men who received exclusively FOBT, 42.1% received a single FOBT, 26.0% received 2 tests, 17.8% received 3 tests, and only 14.1% were documented to have received at least 4 tests during the study period. Among the 10,469 female veterans receiving FOBT alone, rates were similar with only 13.7% completing at least 4 FOBTs in the 5-year study period. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to repeated FOBT is low, suggesting that cross-sectional measurements of quality may overestimate the programmatic success of CRC screening.

Noninvasive radiologic imaging of the large intestine: a valuable complement to optical colonoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Radiologic imaging of the large intestine continues to evolve and expand the potential for noninvasive diagnosis. The aim of this review is to provide an update on current and emerging clinical capabilities for a variety of radiologic diagnostic imaging tools for evaluating the colon and rectum. RECENT FINDINGS: The utility of computed tomography for the evaluation of symptomatic inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of the colon is well established, but the clinical role of computed tomography colonography is rapidly evolving. In addition to a number of diagnostic indications, computed tomography colonography is emerging as a potential frontline colorectal screening test for cancer prevention. MRI has become increasingly valuable for rectal cancer staging and inflammatory bowel disease but has yet to gain momentum for polyp evaluation. PET imaging has been primarily utilized for oncologic indications, but also holds considerable potential for inflammatory conditions. Other imaging modalities, such as the barium enema, conventional radiography, and ultrasound, play a much more limited role. SUMMARY: Advances in radiologic imaging of the colorectum will continue to expand the capabilities and clinical indications for noninvasive diagnosis, allowing for a greater emphasis on the complementary roles of tissue sampling and therapy with optical colonoscopy.

Temporal trends in colorectal procedure use after colorectal cancer resection.

BACKGROUND: After curative cancer resection, routine colon surveillance is recommended. It is not known whether trends over time in cancer survivors parallel that of the general population. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe temporal changes in the use of posttreatment procedures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Linked tumor registry and Medicare claims data. PATIENTS: Medicare beneficiaries >65 years old who were diagnosed with local or regional stage colorectal cancer from 1992-2002 and who underwent surgical resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Use of colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema within 1 year, 18 months, or 3 years of diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 62,882 patients were followed up for 1 year and 35,784 for 3 years. Colonoscopy within 1 year was performed in 25.9%, within 18 months in 53.8%, and within 3 years in 70.3%. Corresponding rates for sigmoidoscopy were 7.4%, 10.2%, and 14.9%, respectively, and were 3.4%, 5.1%, and 7.9%, respectively, for barium enema. There was a decrease over time in the receipt of colonoscopy within 1 year of diagnosis (31.3% in 1992 to 20.6% in 2002), no change in 18-month rates, and a smaller increase in colonoscopy use within 3 years (66.5% to 72.3%). The use of sigmoidoscopy and barium enema declined over time. Overall procedure use within 1 year and 18 months also decreased and 3-year rates were essentially unchanged. These differences were maintained in multivariate analyses. LIMITATIONS: Accuracy of procedure coding and indications for tests could not be measured. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal trends in procedure use in cancer survivors were consistent with the general population. Importantly, despite guideline recommendations and Medicare reimbursement, 25% of patients who undergo curative treatment do not receive surveillance examinations and this was unchanged over time.

Trends in colon cancer screening procedures in the US Medicare and Tricare populations: 1999-2001.

BACKGROUND: This study examined trends in the numbers of double contrast barium enemas, flexible sigmoidoscopies, and colonoscopies and trends in the choices of colorectal cancer screening service providers. METHODS: Descriptive statistics were used to examine Medicare and Tricare data for the years 1999 to 2001. RESULTS: The total volume of procedures increased 5% and 14%, respectively, in Tricare and Medicare. Tricare and Medicare, respectively, saw 32% and 33% reductions in barium enemas and 28% and 41% reductions in flexible sigmoidoscopies. Colonoscopies increased by 45% and 34% in Tricare and Medicare, respectively. Gastroenterologists provided the majority of colonoscopies for both groups each year. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of colonoscopies increased from 1999 to 2001 for both groups while the volumes of barium enemas and flexible sigmoidoscopies decreased. Gastroenterologists appear to be the preferred providers of colonoscopies.

Dark-lumen MR colonography.

Magnetic resonance colonography (MRC) has been shown to be an appropriate diagnostic tool for the detection of colorectal pathologies. Recently, dark-lumen MRC has been introduced. This technique is based on the acquisition of a T1-weighted sequence after the administration of water enema and the intravenous administration of paramagnetic contrast. This report describes the underlying techniques of dark-lumen MRC concerning data acquisition and image interpretation. Furthermore, it points out the advantages of this approach as compared with conventional endoscopy or other MR methods. Possible improvements in the future such as the implementation of fecal tagging strategies to avoid bowel cleansing are discussed.

Physician-reported reasons for limited follow-up of patients with a positive fecal occult blood test screening result.

OBJECTIVE: Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) screening can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality when patients with an abnormal result [FOBT(+)] undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation (colonoscopy or double-contrast barium enema with or without flexible sigmoidoscopy). The aim of this study was to determine common reasons for nonperformance of a complete diagnostic evaluation. METHODS: We identified 544 FOBT(+) patients, aged 50 yr or older, who had participated in a managed care organization-sponsored CRC screening program. The performance of a complete diagnostic evaluation was determined from a patient-specific follow-up form and managed care organization claims data. Physicians were asked to report whether patients submitted to a complete diagnostic evaluation. When an evaluation was not done, the physicians were also asked to state the reasons for nonperformance. RESULTS: A total of 248 (46%) patients did not undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Physicians provided reasons for nonperformance for 50% (123/248). Factors accounting for nonperformance of a complete diagnostic evaluation were classified as follows: primary care physician decision (50%); specialist decision (28%); patient decision (17%); and other (practice-related) (5%). Many failures to complete an appropriate diagnostic evaluation were due to providers deciding to repeat the FOBT, perform a sigmoidoscopy, or not to proceed with any further testing. CONCLUSION: Many patients with a positive FOBT do not receive a complete diagnostic evaluation. The reasons for nonperformance most frequently have to do with physician decision making. Many physician-related explanations do not conform to expert recommendations for appropriate follow-up.

Tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal: encuesta de la Sociedad Valenciana de Cirugía / Management of colorectal cancer: a survey by the Surgical Society of Valencia

Introducción. Motivados por conocer la situación actual del tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana, y por encargo de la Sociedad Valenciana de Cirugía, se elaboró una encuesta dirigida a todos los Servicios de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo de estos centros, cuyo resultado exponemos. Material y método. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo mediante encuesta, y se obtuvieron los datos desde el año 1997 hacia atrás, agrupándolos por años naturales. La encuesta abordó siete apartados del tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal (diagnóstico, cirugía programada, cirugía de urgencias, terapéutica adyuvante, enfermedad avanzada, seguimiento y anatomía patológica), y se estudiaron tanto parámetros de estructura como de proceso, así como los resultados de los mismos. Resultados. Se remitieron un total de 20 cuestionarios obteniéndose 17 respuestas (85 por ciento). Sólo 2 hospitales (11,7 por ciento) disponen de ecografía endorrectal. Ninguno realiza por sistema enema de doble contraste. Únicamente en 3 hospitales (17,64 por ciento), el cáncer rectal es tratado por un grupo determinado de cirujanos. Cinco hospitales (29,4 por ciento) realizan con asiduidad el lavado colónico intraoperatorio en la cirugía del cáncer obstructivo. Siete centros (41,1 por ciento) llevan a cabo algún tipo de terapéutica adyuvante preoperatoria en el cáncer rectal, siendo la cifra total de recidivas locales del 11,58 por ciento a los 2 años de seguimiento. No existe ningún protocolo establecido de seguimiento postoperatorio de estos pacientes en 3 hospitales (17,64 por ciento). El número medio de ganglios aislados por pieza quirúrgica es de nueve, y sólo 2 centros (11,7 por ciento) reflejan en sus informes anatomopatológicos la afectación del margen circunferencial. Conclusiones. De los resultados obtenidos en esta encuesta y su posterior comparación con la bibliografía concluimos: a) en el aspecto diagnóstico, se debe mejorar el porcentaje de colonoscopias completas; los enemas opacos, cuando se realicen, deberían llevarse a cabo sistemáticamente mediante la técnica de doble contraste; sería aconsejable implantar la ecografía endorrectal como exploración de rutina para la correcta estadificación del cáncer rectal con el fin de realizar una correcta selección de los pacientes candidatos a terapéutica adyuvante preoperatoria; b) en la cirugía electiva, dado que la cirugía del cáncer rectal depende del cirujano, creemos que debería ser realizada por personal especialmente entrenado; c) respecto a la cirugía del cáncer colorrectal obstructivo, si las condiciones del paciente lo permiten, debería tratarse de aumentar el porcentaje de resecciones con anastomosis primaria, entrenando al equipo quirúrgico en la realización del lavado intraoperatorio; d) se necesitan estudios prospectivos para valorar el régimen terapéutico adyuvante preoperatorio más adecuado; e) es recomendable que los distintos hospitales dispongan de protocolos de seguimiento postoperatorio homogéneos, con la finalidad de uniformizar el control de estos pacientes, además de prestarles un apoyo psicológico y servir de auditoría de sus propios resultados, y f) debe tratarse de que en los informes anatomopatológicos se especifique el margen circunferencial, así como intensificar el aislamiento de ganglios linfáticos a fin de evitar la infraestadificación tumoral (AU)

Trends in use of barium enema examination, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy: is use commensurate with risk of disease?

PURPOSE: To assess replacement of barium enema examination with colonoscopy in relation to age- and sex-related risk factors, place of service, physician specialty, and cost. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1985 and 1992, 894,777 insurance claims for barium enema examination and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy were retrospectively examined. Changes in use were investigated. Use of proctosigmoidoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, two office-based endoscopic procedures, was also examined. RESULTS: Use of diagnostic colonoscopy increased from 191 to 406 services per 100,000 persons; colonoscopy with biopsy, from 77 to 183 services; and colonoscopy with lesion removal, from 77 to 202 services. Barium enema examination use declined from 929 to 511 services per 100,000 persons; diagnostic proctosigmoidoscopy, from 854 to 193 services; and diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy, from 656 to 620 services. Increases in use of colonoscopy in patients aged younger than 40 years were greater than overall increases. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopy has been replacing barium enema examination as the initial colorectal examination since 1985. Increased use of colonoscopy in patients with lower risk of neoplasia suggests that indications have become overly broad.