Year: 2011
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: IntroductionIf something is worth doing it is worth doing well.A colonoscopy is only of value if the procedure accurately assesses the whole of the mucosa with minimal morbidity and distress to the patient.Colonoscopic examination properly performed is safe, sensitive and well-tolerated by the majority of patients.The benefits of colonoscopy are within acceptable cost-benefit rates; screening colonoscopies carry a cost of $20,000 per year of life saved (Pignone, Saha et al. 2002;Smith, Cokkinides et al. 2002;Winawer, Fletcher et al. 2003).However complications, such as the need for repeat procedures, and the use of surgical intervention for endoscopically-removable polyps, will reduce this cost-benefit ratio thereby reducing patient acceptance of this examination.The inconsistency in the degree of technical expertise of colonoscopists as documented in the literature suggests the need for standardization of the quality of colonoscopy service provision nationally and internationally(Marshall and
Source: InTech eBooks
DOI: 10.5772/22022
Authors: Anita Balakrishnan, Stephen Lewis, Kenneth B
Institution: Derriford Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W1488031350