Abstract
Background
More than one million colonoscopies are performed every year in France. They are associated with risks of mechanical and systemic serious adverse events (SAEs) which can be associated with patient, procedure, endoscopist, and facility characteristics. We tried to identify the factors associated with colonic perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, splenic injury, shock, myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure, and urolithiasis after colonoscopy.
Methods
We analysed data from the French national claims databases (SNDS). A total of 4,088,799 patients, 30 years or older, undergoing a first screening or diagnostic colonoscopy between 2010 and 2015 were identified. SAE rates were estimated, and risk factors associated with SAEs were identified using multilevel logistic regression models, adjusted for patient, colonoscopy, endoscopist, and facility characteristics.
Results
Increasing age was associated with an increasing incidence of mechanical and systemic SAEs. Cancer and cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with mechanical SAEs, and a higher number of pre-existing conditions was associated with shock and acute renal failure. Polypectomy, especially of polyps larger than 1 cm, was associated with an increased risk of perforation (OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 3.4-5.0) and bleeding (OR = 13.3; 95% CI, 11.7-15.1). Mechanical SAEs were associated with the endoscopist’s experience, while systemic SAEs were more frequent in public hospitals than in private clinics.
Conclusions
SAEs related to colonoscopy were more frequent in older patients and in those with comorbidities. Mechanical SAEs were more frequent when colonoscopy was performed by less experienced endoscopists. Systemic SAEs were more frequent in public hospitals, reflecting patient selection processes. The risk of both mechanical and systemic SAEs should be taken into account when deciding to perform colonoscopy, particularly in older patients with multiple pre-existing conditions.
Key messages
Systemic SAEs are not uncommon after colonoscopy and, together with intestinal SAEs, should be considered when considering the need for colonoscopy. Patients at risk of SAEs should be identified and colonoscopy should be performed by experienced endoscopists in these patients. Less invasive alternatives should also be considered in these patients.
Factors associated with mechanical and systemic adverse events after colonoscopy (France, 2010-2015)
