In a study of colonoscopies involving poor bowel preps, 42 percent of polyps were discovered only in a repeat colonoscopy, according to a report in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
The miss rate for advanced adenomas was 27 percent. In view of the findings, authors suggested scheduling follow-up examination within a year when an adenoma is found during a colonoscopy with poor bowel prep.
Authors said suboptimal bowel preparation occurs in more than 20 percent of all colonoscopic examinations. In addition to increasing the risk of colon cancer, poor bowel preps add to healthcare costs by requiring more frequent procedures.
Read the GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy report on colonoscopies.
Related Articles on Colonoscopies:
Studies Back Screening Colonoscopy for Unscreened Elderly Patients
ASCs, Professional Anesthesiology Services May Improve Quality of Colonoscopies
Free 'Colonoscopy for Dummies' Guide Available for Download