Many People Get Repeat Colonoscopies Too Soon

Ask Before Getting a 2nd Colonoscopy

There's no doubt that having colonoscopies are useful to detect colon cancer. But how often should you have a colonoscopy? Researchers have found that patient's don't need additional testing nearly as often as recommended. Over half of all endoscopist's reports incorrectly state when retesting should occur, according to a recent press release.

Many people have to wait months to get an appointment for a colonoscopy. By spending time reexamining patients who are at a low risk of developing colon cancer, limited resources are being allocated to people who do not need additional screenings. This contributes to lengthening the time frame that other people have to wait to get a colonoscopy, even if they have never had one or are at a high risk of developing colon cancer.

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, examined the records of over 1,300 patients who had been given a colonoscopy. They found that over half, 65 percent, of endoscopist's (the person who inserts and navigates the endoscope to give the colonscopy) had given inaccurate dates for retesting.

They were also able to determine that only 39 percent of their recommendations for retesting followed the guidelines published by the American Cancer Society and the American Gastroenterological Association that were effective when this study was done.

Nearly all of the retesting recommendations that were incorrect recommended that retesting be done much earlier than the recommended guidelines had stated.

Colonoscopies are widely used to detect different types of colon cancer. This exam is routinely recommended for anyone over the age of 50.

Researchers highlighted the need for colonoscopy patients to fully understand the results of their colonoscopy. This includes recommendations for retesting, the date when it is recommended, and the reasons given for determining a retesting date.

The guidelines were changed effective June 2006. It is important for patients to inquire as to whether or not their endoscopist is using the newer guidelines.