[Few complications, but only little effect on cancer related death by screening colonoscopy].
In 2014, screening for colorectal cancer is scheduled to be introduced in Denmark using immunochemical test for blood in faeces (iFOBT). Positive tests are followed by colonoscopy. This review evaluates the risk of perforation, haemorrhage and death associated with screening colonoscopy based on selected recent publications. The risk of perforation and haemorrhage was reported to be 0.01% and 0.02% respectively. No deaths were reported. The studies vary in design and demographic characteristics why the findings are relevant regarding the planned national screening programme.
Onkologisk Afdeling, Hillerød Hospital, Denmark. lholstmed@gmail.com
Lise Laurberg
LL
Holst
Ole
O
Andersen
Thea Kølsen
TK
Fischer
D000368:Aged; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007120:Immunochemistry / Q000379:methods; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects