Study: Repeat Colonoscopy More Likely Than Sigmoidoscopy

People who undergo a colonoscopy with sedation have far less discomfort and are significantly more willing to undergo the screening procedure again than those who have a sigmoidoscopy, according to University of Vermont researchers.

The researchers conducted the study of 466 patients in an effort to better understand if there was a significant difference in the reluctance of people to have the two recommended screening tests for colorectal cancer.

In flexible sigmoidoscopy, a lighted tube is inserted into the rectum to view the lower portion of the colon. A colonoscopy, which allows the entire colon to be examined for polyps, requires that a patient be sedated.

"A major concern of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures is the fear of pain and discomfort experienced during the procedure, and this concern is a major reason for non-adherence to screening protocols," the researchers noted.

In their report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, they said 28 percent of those who had the colonoscopy with sedation reported discomfort during the procedure and 14 percent after the procedure.

In contrast, 58 percent of those who had the sigmoidoscopy reported discomfort during the procedure and 16 percent after the procedure.

They also found that "although most patients are willing to undergo subsequent screening examinations, patients undergoing screening colonoscopy are significantly more willing to undergo a subsequent examination than those undergoing screening flexible sigmoidoscopy."

Other Sources: American Journal of Gastroenterology