PTH-002 A Single Centre Audit Comparing Colonoscopy Completion and Complication Rates in older and Younger Patients

Introduction Colonoscopy is the gold standard test for large bowel assessment. Radiological techniques are available and have a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing colorectal cancer.1 As part of the Joint Advisory Committee (JAG) for endoscopy accreditation, units should achieve a caecal intubation rate of > 90%. We audited our unit’s performance. Methods We audited colonoscopies carried out in 2011 at a District General Hospital. Endoscopy reports of 75 patients aged 80 and over and 75 patients under 75 years old were analysed. Results 1635 colonoscopies were carried out by the unit in 2011. The pick-up rate for cancer was at least 3.5% and for polyps was 23%. Completion of colonoscopy in under 75 year olds was 97%. Completion in over 80 year olds was 79%. The unit’s overall completion rate in 2011 was 90% (24% terminal ileum, 65% caecum, 1% anastomosis). Colonoscopy was better tolerated in the younger group with discomfort suffered in 7% of patients compared to 11% of elderly patients (see table 1). The overall pick-up rate for cancer in both groups was 3%. Abstract PTH-002 Table 1 Table 1: Complications Complication Aged under 75 Aged 80 and over Discomfort5 (7%)8 (11%)Hypertension1 (1%)Respiratory depression1 (1%)Vasovagal syncope/hypotension