Patient-reported minor adverse events after colonoscopy: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the incidence and nature of minor adverse events (MAEs) after colonoscopy, and response rates to questionnaires concerning MAEs in patients undergoing colonoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed and Embase. Predictor variables were patient-reported MAEs after colonoscopy. The outcome was frequency and types of MAEs and the patients' response rate to questionnaires after colonoscopy. Quality assessment for potential risk of bias and level of evidence was evaluated using the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. RESULTS: Seven prospective cohorts were included with a pooled total of 6172 participants. Patients undergoing colonoscopy had a response rate to questionnaires ranging from 64% to 100%, with a mean of 81%. One-third of the patients experienced MAEs, most prominently in the first 1-2 weeks after colonoscopy, and less common at 30 days post colonoscopy. The most frequently reported MAEs were abdominal pain, bloating and abdominal discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: In general, patients undergoing colonoscopy have a high response rate to questionnaires about MAEs. MAEs after colonoscopy are commonly seen. High age and score of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, female gender and duration of procedure seem to be associated with a higher risk of MAEs, whereas adequate sedation seems to decreases the risk. MAEs after colonoscopy seems to be underreported in the current literature and the existing evidence is based on inhomogeneous reports. In the current study, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. There is a need for larger scale studies addressing the MAEs patients experience in conjunction with a colonoscopy. Furthermore, the assessment of the MAEs should rely on questionnaires tested for validity, comprehensibility and reliability, to reflect the patient-reported experience of a colonoscopy as precise as possible.

Patient-reported complications related to colonoscopy: a prospective feasibility study of an email-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective pilot study assessed the feasibility of electronic email-based questionnaires about patient-reported complications after colonoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A newly internally validated questionnaire on patient-reported complications related to colonoscopy was conducted as an online survey. RESULTS: Out of 200 patients (mean age 65 years), 83% completed the first questionnaire immediately after the procedure, 77% completed the second follow-up questionnaire after 24 h at home, and 70% the third one after 30 d. Forty-four percent of the patients reported minor adverse events after 24 h, and 23% at the follow-up after 30 d. The rate of sick leave in the 30-d period after the colonoscopy was 6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that email-based questionnaires give a high response rate independent of age or gender, but that the response rate declines with time after colonoscopy. Minor adverse events are underestimated, and colonoscopy could lead to sick leave in a minor subgroup of patients.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Functional Shoulder Impairment After Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) is a very reliable flap and may be used for a multitude of reconstructive purposes. It is widely used for breast reconstruction when performed. It has few complications, except for a possible impact on shoulder function. The aims of this study were to evaluate the validity of the literature by investigating the level of evidence and to perform a meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Predictor variables were shoulder function after breast reconstruction with the LDF. Articles were chosen according to 4 different outcomes: shoulder range of motion (ROM), shoulder strength, DASH score, and subjective evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty-six articles were found, including 1045 patients: 8 level II, 16 level III, 1 level IV, and 1 level V articles. The meta-analysis showed that both ROMs for flexion and abduction are significantly impaired at less than or at 3 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There are several influencing factors, such as age, smoking, obesity, radiotherapy, and physiotherapy. Moreover, the impact on shoulder function seemed influenced by the type of thoracodorsal vessel-based flap. From the level of evidence analysis, there is a tendency that the LDF transfer does affect shoulder function. This limitation seems to be minimal, and few patients experience a major impact on shoulder function. However, the existing literature on total shoulder impairment after breast reconstruction with LDF is insufficient to draw any final conclusion. There is a need for future studies and current articles that suggest that the initial measurement should be performed preoperatively (preferably at the time of diagnosis or initial biopsy) and follow-ups with measurements at 6, 12, and 24 months (long-term effect) after surgery. We recommend measurements of both operated and nonoperated sides. Each measurement should be accompanied by a history with special emphasis on shoulder function. The methods of measuring outcomes of recommendation are DASH score, ROM with use of a goniometer preferably by a physiotherapist or a health care professional trained by a physiotherapist, and strength measured by, for example, a handheld dynamometer.

Counseling Is Effective for Smoking Cessation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the efficacy of smoking cessation counseling and the resulting quit rate in patients with head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Predictor variables were smoking cessation counseling and smoking cessation interventions. The outcome was smoking cessation. Data collection and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 of the authors. Selected publications were assessed for potential risk of bias, and the level of evidence was evaluated using National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight studies involving 1,239 patients were included (3 randomized controlled trials, 3 cohorts, and 2 case series). Smoking cessation was achieved considerably more often in patients who received smoking cessation counseling compared with those who received usual care. CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that counseling supplemented with nicotine replacement therapy increases the possibility for smoking cessation in patients with head and neck cancer.