title: Variations in colonoscopy practice in Europe: a multicentre descriptive study (EPAGE).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The volume of colonoscopies performed is increasing and differences in colonoscopy practice over time and between centres have been reported. Examination of current practice is important for bench-marking quality. The objective of this study was to examine variations in colonoscopy practice in endoscopy centres internationally.
  
  
  METHODS
  This observational study prospectively included consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy from 21 centres in 11 countries. Patient, procedure and centre characteristics were collected through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were performed and the variation between centres while controlling for case-mix was examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 6004 patients were included in the study. Most colonoscopies (93%; range between centres 70-100%) were performed for diagnostic purposes. The proportion of main indications for colonoscopy showed wide variations between centres, the two most common indications, surveillance and haematochezia, ranging between 7-24% and 5-38%, respectively. High-quality cleansing occurred in 74% (range 51-94%) of patients, and 30% (range 0-100%) of patients received deep sedation. Three-quarters (range 0-100%) of the patients were monitored during colonoscopy, and one-quarter (range 14-35%) underwent polypectomy. Colonoscopy was complete in 89% (range 69-98%) of patients and the median total duration was 20 min (range of centre medians 15-30 min). The variation between centres was not reduced when case-mix was controlled for.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study documented wide variations in colonoscopy practice between centres. Controlling for case-mix did not remove these variations, indicating that centre and procedure characteristics play a role. Centres generally were within the existing guidelines, although there is still some work to be done to ensure that all centres attain the goal of providing high-quality colonoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Jennifer K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: John-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Vader
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wietlisbach
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Burnand
authors.forename: Jean-Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Gonvers
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Froehlich
mesh_terms: D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged