Quality assurance and gastrointestinal endoscopy: an audit of 500 colonoscopic procedures.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of colonoscopic procedures in our endoscopy unit with the goal of improving performance.

Methods: We prospectively audited 500 consecutive colonoscopic procedures and assessed sixty-two process or outcome indicators for each procedure.

Results: Most of the measured indicators were within standard limits: cecal intubation rate (92%), inadequate bowel preparations (24%), inappropriate procedures (9.

[Two years of mortality and morbidity conferences in a hospital gastrointestinal endoscopy unit].

Unlabelled: Mortality and morbidity conferences (M & MC) are designed to establish a collegial analysis of all complications in order to define their cause, assess avoidability and propose corrective measures aimed at preventing recurrence of the same kind of complications.

Aim: The aim of this study was to report the results of a quality improvement program focused on the complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy in a hospital endoscopy unit.

Methods: From 1/7/1999 to 30/6/2001, the complications of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures were systematically and prospectively recorded and then retrospectively analysed during monthly M & MC.

[Presence of microcysts within a cystic tumor of the pancreas does not rule out malignancy: report of two cases].

Presence of microcysts within a cystic tumor of the pancreas is usually considered as specific of serous cystadenoma and leads to conservative management and surveillance of asymptomatic patients. We report two cases of malignant cystic tumors of the pancreas with a microcystic component detected by endosonography. We conclude that presence of microcysts detected by endosonography in cystic tumors of the pancreas does not rule out malignancy.

[Informed consent for gastrointestinal endoscopy. A patient-opinion survey].

Aim: Written consent is not advised in France because it is thought it may alter the patient's trust in his/her doctor. Our aim was to elaborate a consent form for gastrointestinal endoscopy and to assess the patient's opinion concerning the written consent process.

Methods: Seven health professionals and seven patients or users elaborated a consent form and a list of 24 questions about the written consent process.