Colonoscopy Outcome Database

Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure that is currently performed for a variety of reasons that centre on the detection and treatment of bowel disorders. It is time-consuming and an expensive process to develop a skilled workforce that has both the skills and the resources to provide a satisfactory colonoscopy service to the general population. Colonoscopy is also an invasive procedure associated with some serious complications like bleeding and perforation. Endoscopy resources are limited by theater space, number of endoscopes and skilled workforce. With the introduction of bowel cancer screening programmes, colonoscopy capacity has been stretched to the limit, such that extremely long waiting lists are an increasingly growing problem.

The rationale for having the database in Portsmouth is because it is a large referral centre and already has an electronic hospital endoscopy reporting system. All useful information is already stored on this platform, but the relevant clinical information is not easy to analyse in the current format. Therefore, we plan to export relevant clinical information to a database to permit retrospective data analysis. There is no need to collect any prospective data as we can achieve the desired outcomes with the current information.The research database will facilitate definitions of clinical pathways to reduce the present burden of colonoscopy on the health care system.

Inclusion criteria

• All patients' ≥18 years of age who underwent endoscopy at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, including repeat colonoscopies performed for surveillance purposes aged ≥18 in either males or females

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under 18 years age.