Why quality outcomes are important in endoscopy?

The skill and experience of the doctor performing your colonoscopy makes a difference in whether you’ll develop colon cancer or not. Not all facilities are created equal, and therefore, it is important for patients to take an active role in their healthcare for the best possible outcomes.

While colonoscopies are widely acknowledged as one of the most effective methods for preventing colorectal cancer, it has been found that “high quality” colonoscopies performed by doctors adept at identifying many precancerous polyps were associated with a 50 to 60 percent lower risk for colon cancer and colon cancer fatalities over a patient’s lifetime (Reference: Reinier G. S. Meester, Chyke A. et al Variation in Adenoma Detection Rate and the Lifetime Benefits and Cost of Colorectal Cancer Screening. JAMA, 2015; 313 (23): 2349 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2015.6251).

Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute's Colonoscopy Quality Assurance Program ensures you will undergo a high-quality procedure that maximizes the chance that we can prevent cancer.

Our program far exceeds national benchmarks:

• Adenoma detection rate (ADR): The higher the rate at which we find polyps (adenomas) and remove them, the lower your chance of developing cancer. While the national ADR benchmark is to find adenomas in at least 25 percent of patients, our ADR is 44 percent.
• Cecal intubation rate: A complete exam all the way around to the cecum is needed for maximum prevention. While the national benchmark for a complete examination is 90 percent for all colonoscopies, our rate is 99 percent. 
• Average withdrawal time: A thorough exam requires taking the time to inspect the colon carefully. While the national benchmark for time spent withdrawing the scope is 6 to 8 minutes minimum, our average withdrawal time is 12 minutes.

Likewise, we closely monitor our outcomes for upper endoscopy procedures, also known as EGD. The appropriateness for indications and procedural completion at Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute is close to 100 percent for EGD, which far exceeds the benchmark established by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.