A great study from the Netherlands detailing the negative effects of a Colonoscopy.
Summary: The main objective was to study was the adverse effects of a Colononscopy after the procedure. The authors found that about 1 percent of the accrued patients (n=1114) had experienced a major adverse event (hospitalization) and about 30 percent (!) of the patients had experience a minor adverse event (no hospitalization) 30 days after their colononscopy. The study showed that those patients who experienced an adverse event were found to have a more negative view of Colononscopies and consequently less likely to return for another colonoscopy in the future.
Implications for Practice: The finding that 30 percent of patients were found to have a minor adverse effect from a Colonoscopy should raise an alarm for any Gastroenterologist. This underscores the importance of notifying patients about the potential adverse effects of a Colonoscopy and following up with them after the procedure. Still, Colononscopies are deemed rather safe and highly recommended.
It is interesting that females and those under the age of 50 were shown to have significantly higher chance of experiencing an adverse event compared to males and those over the age of 50 respectfully. It is difficult to elucidate the exact reason. Another study did show that females were more likely to experience colonic perforation compared to men. Follow up studies on this would be compelling.
Summary: The main objective was to study was the adverse effects of a Colononscopy after the procedure. The authors found that about 1 percent of the accrued patients (n=1114) had experienced a major adverse event (hospitalization) and about 30 percent (!) of the patients had experience a minor adverse event (no hospitalization) 30 days after their colononscopy. The study showed that those patients who experienced an adverse event were found to have a more negative view of Colononscopies and consequently less likely to return for another colonoscopy in the future.
Implications for Practice: The finding that 30 percent of patients were found to have a minor adverse effect from a Colonoscopy should raise an alarm for any Gastroenterologist. This underscores the importance of notifying patients about the potential adverse effects of a Colonoscopy and following up with them after the procedure. Still, Colononscopies are deemed rather safe and highly recommended.
It is interesting that females and those under the age of 50 were shown to have significantly higher chance of experiencing an adverse event compared to males and those over the age of 50 respectfully. It is difficult to elucidate the exact reason. Another study did show that females were more likely to experience colonic perforation compared to men. Follow up studies on this would be compelling.
It is always important to let patients know what the adverse effects of any kind of surgery will be. My Uncle is having a colonoscopy in the next few weeks. Knowing a little more about a colonoscopy could help him with his nervousness a bit. I will have top show this to him and see what he thinks.
ReplyDeleteEmily Smith | http://www.alberthararymd.com