Failure of Colonoscopy Knowledge to Predict Colonoscopy Uptake

Correlation between fasting time and bleeding, infection, and perforation after high-frequency electroresection of polyps under colonoscopy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a common method for treating colorectal polyps. The duration of fasting after the operation has been the focus of clinical attention. However, there is currently a lack of research on the correlation between fasting duration and the occurrence of bleeding, infection, and perforation.

AIM

To explore the relationship between fasting time and bleeding, infection, and perforation after colonoscopic electro-resection of polyps to provide guidance on fasting strategies for postoperative patients.

METHODS

In a cohort of 14857 colorectal polyp patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Luqiao District from 2000 to 2023, a case-control study design with matching propensity scores was used to evaluate the risk of bleeding and perforation after polypectomy in adults aged 40 years and older; 3505 patients with short-term postoperative fasting and 9669 patients with prolonged postoperative fasting met the study criteria. A total of 2560 patients in each group were matched for further analysis. The postoperative fasting time of the experimental group was 2 h, and the postoperative fasting time of the control group was 24 h. The liquid food was gradually replaced with semi-liquid food and ordinary food according to the size of the incision and the effect of the operation. The postoperative follow-up duration was 1 mo, and the incidence of postoperative bleeding, infection, and perforation in both groups was recorded.

RESULTS

In the short fasting group, the rates of bleeding, infection, and perforation were 0.64%, 0.07%, and 0.07%, respectively. In the long fasting group, the rates of bleeding, infection, and perforation were 0.40%, 0.04%, and 0.04%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the rates of bleeding, infection, and perforation.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, it can be preliminarily concluded that the duration of postoperative fasting may not have a significant effect on the incidence of bleeding, infection, and perforation after colonoscopic high-frequency electroresection of polyps. For choosing fasting time, strategies can be developed according to the specific situation and actual needs of the patient. However, it is important to note that this is only a retrospective study and more clinical studies are needed to further validate our findings and explore other possible influencing factors.

Invitation to Screening Colonoscopy in the Population at Familial Risk for Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Screening colonoscopy can lower the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet participation rates are low even in groups at high risk. The goal of this study was to double the rate of participation in screening colonoscopy among persons at familial risk and then to determine the frequency of neoplasia in this risk group.

METHODS

In a nationwide, cluster-randomized, multicenter study, first-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with CRC across Germany received written informational materials concerning the familial risk of CRC, along with an invitation to undergo colonoscopy. Participants in the intervention group were additionally counseled by nurses over the telephone. The primary endpoint of the study was colonoscopy uptake within 30 days.

RESULTS

The participants' mean age was 50.8 years. The colonoscopy uptake rates were 99/125 (79%) in the intervention group and 97/136 (71%) in the control group (RR = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [0.97; 1.28]). A polypectomy was performed in 72 of 196 asymptomatic persons (37%). In 13 cases (7%), an advanced neoplasia was detected; two of these persons had colon cancer (stages T0 and T1). 42% of the participants expressed barriers against colonoscopy. 22 reported mild side effects; there were no serious side effects.

CONCLUSION

Additional counseling by nurses over the telephone does not increase the participation rate. Approaching patients who have CRC is an opportunity to increase the participation of their first-degree relatives in screening colonoscopy. The frequency of neoplasia that was found in this study underscores the need to screen relatives even before they reach the usual age threshold for screening.

Predicting Colonoscopy Screening Behavior and Future Screening Intentions for African Americans Older than 50 Years

African Americans experience a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer, which may be due to low adherence to screening recommendations. Previous studies have found relationships between decision-making factors and screening behavior, but few have looked at both cognitive and affective factors or within a specifically African American sample. To better understand determinants that drive screening behavior, this study examines affective, cognitive, and social variables as predictors of colonoscopy in an age-eligible African American population. Participants completed surveys assessing affective associations with colonoscopy, perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy, knowledge, fear of colonoscopy, perceived risk, and colorectal cancer worry and fear. Regression analysis was used to model decision-making constructs as predictors of screening behavior/intentions. Affective, cognitive, and health care experience variables predicted colonoscopy completion and intentions. Provider-level factors and previous cancer screenings predicted prior screening only, but not intentions. Affective and cognitive components of perceived risk were associated with decreased likelihood of colonoscopy behavior, but increased likelihood of colonoscopy intentions. These findings suggest that colonoscopy decision making involves a complex array of both cognitive and affective determinants. This work extends our knowledge of colorectal cancer screening decision making by evaluating the effects of these multiple determinants on screening behavior in an African American sample. Future work exploring the interplay of affect and cognitions as influences on colonoscopy decision making and how health care experiences may moderate this effect is needed to develop effective intervention approaches and reduce screening disparities.