Appropriate use of colonoscopy in Nigeria: a retrospective study using the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) 2012 guidelines

INTRODUCTION: Colonoscopy is the standard investigation for assessing colonic disease, with moderate yield. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) published guidelines to tailor the appropriate use of colonoscopy. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency at which colonoscopy was performed for an appropriate indication based on ASGE´s 2012 guidelines, and to determine if there was an association of appropriateness of indication with endoscopic findings. METHODS: a retrospective study of colonoscopies performed in a private endoscopy centre in Lagos, Nigeria, between January 2014 and December 2016. Ethical approval was obtained before commencement. Data retrieved were basic demographics, indication of, and findings at colonoscopy. Data were analysed using SPSS 23. A p-value of