Waiting times for colonoscopy and colorectal cancer diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether prolonged waiting times for colonoscopy in public hospitals could result in delayed diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma.


METHODS
Analysis of all outpatient colonoscopies performed at a Western Australian tertiary teaching hospital, 1 November 2003 - 31 October 2005. Colonoscopy data, corresponding pathological findings, category of urgency at referral for colonoscopy, and waiting time for colonoscopy were obtained. Patients were coded as having cancer if it was diagnosed by colonoscopy or if colonoscopy identified a lesion subsequently diagnosed as cancer.


METHODS
Colorectal carcinoma detected by outpatient colonoscopy and length of waiting time to colonoscopy.


RESULTS
1632 outpatient colonoscopies were recorded. Category I patients received a colonoscopy within the recommended 30 days from referral. Median waiting times for Category II and Category III patients exceeded recommendations (observed, 113 days and 258 days; recommended, within 90 days and 180 days, respectively), although the number of cancers detected was low (2.4% and 0.6% of referrals, respectively in each category). Early- and late-stage cancers had similar median waiting times from referral to diagnosis. Age over 65 years and the blood-loss indications - a positive faecal occult blood test or iron deficiency/anaemia - were predictors of an increased risk of carcinoma at colonoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Waiting time for colonoscopy was not associated with an increase in the proportion of late-stage cancers diagnosed. Age over 65 years and evidence of blood loss increased the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis.
Viiala
Charlie H
CH
Endoscopy Unit, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, WA. charliev@iinet.net.au
Tang
Kevin W
KW
Lawrance
Ian C
IC
Murray
Kevin
K
Olynyk
John K
JK
D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014904:Western Australia