FOCUS: Future of fecal calprotectin utility study in inflammatory bowel disease.

Aim: To evaluate the perspective of gastroenterologists regarding the impact of fecal calprotectin (FC) on the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: Patients with known IBD or symptoms suggestive of IBD for whom the physician identified that FC would be clinically useful were recruited. Physicians completed an online "pre survey" outlining their rationale for the test.

A randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of prescribed patient position changes during colonoscope withdrawal on adenoma detection.

Background: High-quality colonoscope withdrawal technique is associated with a higher adenoma detection rate. Position change is routinely used in barium enema and CT colonography to facilitate adequate distension of the colon and promote movement of fluid from the segment of the colon being assessed.

Objective: To determine whether prescribed position changes during colonoscope withdrawal affect the adenoma detection rate compared with the usual care per endoscopist.

Prospective evaluation of screening colonoscopy: who is being screened?

Background: Universal access to medical procedures is deemed an advantage of the Canadian health care system. The purposes of this prospective study were to determine the degree to which the practice of colon cancer screening by colonoscopy differed among socioeconomic classes and to assess adherence to screening guidelines.

Methods: Consecutive patients scheduled to undergo colonoscopy at a single center between August 2000 and August 2002 completed a questionnaire that determined patient characteristics and indications for the procedure.