4 percent of colonoscopy tests missed cancer, study finds

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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/188139_medi27.html

.... Researchers concede that some cancer growths between the folds of the

colon lining may be invisible to the scope. They also feel some patients,

who are often sedated during colonoscopies, may hamper the view because they

have not taken a laxative or stuck to a clear fluid diet to purge their

bowels before the exam.

But researchers also suspect some doctors are not as skilled as others in

performing the procedure.

While general surgeons and gastroenterologists still perform the majority of

colonoscopies in a hospital, Rabeneck said the number taking place in

doctors' offices and free-standing clinics, particularly in large urban

centers, is growing...