Sensitivity of colonoscopy depends on the technical quality of the procedure. The aims of this study were to evaluate the usual of colonoscopy in the French area of Aquitaine and to determinate the factors associated with a procedure of good quality. Thirty four gastroenterologists prospectively recorded indications, conditions of practice and results of the colonoscopies that were performed during 4 consecutive weeks. Six hundred and eighty six colonoscopies were analysed, performed in 387 women and 299 men, mean age: 59.9 years.
Indications: irritable bowel syndrome: 34%, patients belonging to high risk groups: 30%, recent transit disturbance: 27%, rectal bleeding: 23%, positive fecal occult blood test: 4.3%. Preparations: polyethylene glycol (PEG) 78%, in 2 doses: 20%; PEG alone: 43%, associated with enemas and laxatives: 19%, with enemas: 14%, with laxatives: 2%; minimum-residue diet before colonoscopy: 58%. The caecum was reached in 86% of colonoscopies. Ninety-nine colonoscopies were incomplete. Fifty one per cent of colonoscopies reached the caecum with visualization of total colic mucosa, 35% reached the caecum with one at least imperfectly seen colic area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)