RT Journal
A1 Voelker R
T1 Colonoscopy: Prime time for primary care?
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2009
FD March 4
VO 301
IS 9
SP 921
OP 922
DO 10.1001/jama.2009.238
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.238
AB 
Authors of a meta-analysis published in January say that adequately trained primary care physicians can perform colonoscopy as safely and effectively as endoscopists and gastroenterologists. The analysis included 12 studies reporting outcomes from 18 292 colonoscopies performed by 73 primary care physicians. Their adenoma and adenocarcinoma detection rates were 28.9% and 1.7%, respectively. They were able to reach the cecum—the anatomical landmark of a complete examination—in 89.2% of procedures. Major complications occurred in 0.04% of the procedures, including 3 perforations. No deaths were reported (Wilkins T el al. Ann Fam Med. 2009;7[1]:56-62).