Abstract

SOUSA, João Batista de et al. Colonoscopies performed by resident physicians in a university teaching hospital: a consecutive analysis of 1000 cases. ABCD, arq. bras. cir. dig. [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.1, pp. 9-12. ISSN 0102-6720.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-67202012000100003.

BACKGROUND: Proficiency and competence of endoscopists is perhaps the mainstay of successful diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy. AIM: To analyze indications, diagnostic findings, and complications of colonoscopies performed by resident physicians in a university teaching hospital. METHODS: Were analyzed 1,000 colonoscopies consecutively performed by fourth-year residents under direct supervision of experienced colonoscopists. Information on patients' demographic data, bowel preparation, indications for the procedure, success of the procedure, diagnostic findings, and complications were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 596 (59.6%) female and 404 (40.4%) male patients were examined. Age ranged from 3 to 99 years (mean 53.8 years). Bowel preparation was performed with 10% mannitol solution in 978 patients (97.8%), being considered appropriate in 97.6% of cases. Main indications were: diagnosis (56.4%), therapy (9.6%), screening (17.3%), and surveillance (22%). Cecal and ileocecal valve intubation rates were 90.3 and 58.6%, respectively. Colonoscopy was normal in 45.8% of cases. The most common diagnosis was diverticulosis (18.5%), followed by polyps (17%) and malignancies (6.8%). Findings consistent with an inflammatory process were identified in 122 patients (12.2%) and vascular abnormalities were detected in 11 patients (1.1%). Other diagnoses accounted for 3.9% of cases. There were two cases (0.2%) of complications (submucosal hematoma and bleeding), both after polypectomy, with no need for surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: The residents under supervision and guidance of specialists can perform colonoscopies with excellent success and low complication rates, with final results comparable to those achieved by fully trained endoscopists.

Keywords : Professional competence; Endoscopy; Colonoscopy.