When it comes to important health screenings, you want to ensure you’re in the most capable hands. If your doctor has recommended a colonoscopy, you might be wondering, “What Doctor Does Colonoscopy?”. It’s a crucial question, as the expertise of the physician performing this procedure can significantly impact its effectiveness and your peace of mind.
Gastroenterologists: The Colonoscopy Experts
Generally, the specialist most qualified and experienced in performing colonoscopies is a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine specifically focused on the digestive system, and gastroenterologists dedicate their careers to understanding and treating conditions of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. They undergo extensive training, including specialized training in colonoscopy procedures. In fact, gastroenterologists perform a significantly higher volume of colonoscopies compared to doctors from other specialties.
Studies have indicated a notable difference in the detection rates of colorectal cancer between gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists. Research suggests that non-gastroenterologists are considerably more likely to miss colorectal cancer during a colonoscopy examination than their gastroenterologist counterparts [1]. This highlights the importance of choosing a specialist with focused expertise in this procedure.
Specialized Training in Colonoscopy
Proper training is paramount for a doctor performing a colonoscopy. This training not only increases the likelihood of a successful and complete procedure but also ensures accurate interpretation of any findings and the application of necessary treatments during the colonoscopy itself, such as polyp removal. Leading medical societies, such as the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, emphasize the importance of comprehensive training. Their recommendations typically include completing a fellowship program in gastroenterology or receiving thorough colonoscopy training during a surgical residency. This rigorous training equips gastroenterologists with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform high-quality colonoscopies.
Extensive Experience Matters
Experience plays a critical role in the competency of a colonoscopist. Many experienced gastroenterologists have performed thousands of colonoscopies throughout their careers. With this volume of experience comes a refined skill set and a deeper understanding of the nuances of the procedure. An experienced colonoscopist should be keenly aware of their procedural outcomes, including their colon perforation rate, which is a rare but potential complication. A low perforation rate is an indicator of expertise; ideally, this rate should be less than 1 in 500 examinations, with many expert gastroenterologists achieving rates significantly lower than 1 in 1000.
Key Indicators of Colonoscopist Competence
Beyond specialty and training, there are other metrics that can indicate the competence of a doctor performing colonoscopies.
Colonoscopy Completion Rate
A key indicator of a colonoscopist’s skill is their completion rate, which refers to how often they are able to reach the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine, during the procedure. Experienced colonoscopists typically achieve cecal intubation rates exceeding 90% in general cases and even higher, above 95%, in screening colonoscopies. A high completion rate is important because it ensures a thorough examination of the entire colon.
Polyp Removal Skills
Colonoscopy is not only a diagnostic tool but also a preventative one, thanks to the ability to remove precancerous polyps during the procedure. Therefore, it is essential that the doctor performing your colonoscopy is proficient in polyp removal techniques. While complex cases involving very large polyps might be referred to specialized experts, a well-trained colonoscopist, especially a gastroenterologist, should be capable of removing the vast majority of routine polyps encountered during a colonoscopy.
Conclusion
When considering “what doctor does colonoscopy?”, it’s clear that gastroenterologists are the specialists with the most focused training and extensive experience in performing this vital procedure. Their expertise contributes to more accurate diagnoses, higher completion rates, and effective polyp removal, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of your colonoscopy. Choosing a board-certified gastroenterologist for your colonoscopy is a proactive step in prioritizing your digestive health and ensuring you receive the best possible care.
References
- Rex DK, Rahmani E, Haseman JH, et al. Relative sensitivity of colonoscopy and barium enema.
