Screening colonoscopy as an effective way to prevent colorectal cancer

Introduction. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of those cancer types which have many worldwide organized screening programs. Those screening programs help to reduce colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality.
Aim. To evaluate the results of screening colonoscopy with simultaneous removal of benign epithelial formations on an outpatient basis using “cold” methods, as well as its effectiveness in the prevention of CRC.
Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the results of colonoscopy in outpatient conditions performed at the N. I. Pirogov Government City Clinic (Orenburg) for the period 2018–2021 was performed. The study included indicators of screening colonoscopy performed in asymptomatic patients. The main evaluated parameters are: the type of polyp according to the Paris classification, the results of histological examination, the frequency of complications, as well as the quality indicators of colonoscopy (preparation according to the Boston scale, the time of removal of the device, adenoma detection rate (ADR), polyp detection rate (PDR)).
Results. A total of 4,588 screening colonoscopies were performed, frequency of adenomas detection – 35,3 %, 1,041 neoplasms were removed (of which 456 (44 %) neoplasms were removed with biopsy forceps, 585 (56 %) neoplasms were removed with a cold loop as a single block). In 622 (59,7 %) cases, the macroscopic form of neoplasms is type 0–IIa, in 326 (31.3 %) – type 0–Is, in 93 (9 %) – type IIa + IIc. According to the results of histological examination, the sessile type of structure was diagnosed in 158 (15.2 %) cases, non – sessile – in 883 (84.8 %). In 276 (26.5 %) cases, were detected adenomas with micro-foci of adenocarcinoma (tumor in situ). During the study period (2018–2021), one complication (0.09 %) of outpatient polypectomy by the “cold” method was observed. This complication was manifested by automatically stopped bleeding.
Conclusion. Screening colonoscopy is one of the most effective diagnostic methods to detect CRC in asymptomatic patients. The “cold” polypectomy method has an important role in the prevention of CRC, as it is a safe procedure which can be performed on an outpatient basis.

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