Patients Do Not Know Their Polyp Details

In practice, we often encounter new patients who have undergone previous colonoscopies in other locations and with other physicians. Patients are often queried about their results of prior colonoscopies, in order to assist in planning repeat examinations. So, how well do they recall those previous results?

The current study evaluated the reliability of reports from patients regarding prior colonoscopies. During a 4-year period, a 35-question survey was given to outpatients at the Cleveland Clinic who were scheduled to undergo colonoscopy. Of 233 patients surveyed (mean age, 59 years), 82% correctly recalled the presence or absence of polyps. Of the 118 who correctly reported having polyps, 61% correctly recalled the number of polyps, and 26%…