Abstract
We investigated whether the insertion time, withdrawal time, and number of images taken during colonoscopy are the indicators of the procedure quality. Among the 1591 cases of total colonoscopy performed by 13 different endoscopists as part of routine health examinations, the median insertion time, mean withdrawal time, and mean number of images taken by each endoscopist were calculated. We investigated the correlation between these indicators and the polyp detection rate. In addition, using logistic regression analysis, we analyzed the factors contributing to polyp detection. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between each indicator and the polyp detection rate was 0.31 (P=0.30) for the insertion time, 0.67 (P=0.01) for the withdrawal time, and -0.36 (P=0.23) for the number of images documented. Only the withdrawal time was significantly correlated with polyp detection. Logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.65), a 1-year increase in age (OR, 1.02), and a withdrawal time of >=6.5 min (OR, 1.42) were significantly associated with polyp detection, while documentation of >=25 images (OR, 0.75) was associated with non-detection. The withdrawal time has been considered an indicator of the procedure quality. To determine the optimal image recording method, including the number of images documented, further research is necessary.
