The role of general surgeons as manpower in colonoscopic screening programs

Abstract

Objective: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, and screening colonoscopies are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. This study evaluates the quality of colonoscopies performed by general surgeons in a single center based on international standards.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of colonoscopies performed by general surgeons between 1 January 2023 and 1 January 2025. Quality indicators were assessed in accordance with recommendations from the American Gastroenterological Association.Results: Statistical analyses were performed with significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 894 colonoscopies were included in the analysis (48.1% female and 51.9% male patients). Adequate bowel preparation was achieved in 88.0% of cases. The overall polyp detection rate was 24.6%, increasing significantly with age (p=0.009). In the screening age group (50–70 years), the polyp detection rate was 26.7%, while the adenoma detection rate was 18.6%. Polyps were more commonly detected in males than females in the screening group (30.8% versus 22.6%, p = 0.028). Most polyps were solitary (69.5%) and located in the distal colon (65.9%). Histopathological examination revealed adenomas in 72.7% of cases and carcinoma in 8.2% of cases.Conclusion: Colonoscopies performed by general surgeons in our unit demonstrated acceptable bowel preparation rates and polyp detection outcomes comparable to national data, though adenoma detection rates remained below international benchmarks. Given the workforce constraints in colorectal cancer screening, general surgeons can play a significant role in meeting screening demands and thereby enhance the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy programs.