National root-cause analysis of 1724 post-colonoscopy colorectal cancers demonstrates avoidable harm

Background and study aims Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) represents a potential missed opportunity to diagnose or prevent colorectal cancer. This study aimed to create a standardised, nationwide audit system to determine why PCCRCs occur and to generate evidence to prevent them. Patients and methods PCCRCs occurring 6–48 months after a colonoscopy were identified from English national datasets and uploaded to a secure portal. The portal contained case review form based on World Endoscopy Organisation (WEO) recommendations for PCCRC review. 126 NHS colonoscopy providers were asked to review up to 25 PCCRCs. The data were analysed to investigate the characteristics of and reasons for PCCRC. Results Of 2,859 PCCRCs, 1,724 (60%) were reviewed. Colonoscopies were mostly performed for symptoms (59%) or surveillance (26%). PCCRCs were more common at the hepatic and splenic flexures and transverse colon than in the detected CRCs. PCCRC WEO categorisations were: possible missed lesion, examination adequate 68%; possible missed lesion, examination inadequate 18%; detected lesion, not resected 9%; and likely incompletely resected lesion 5%. 69% of PCCRCs were avoidable and 44% led to harm, including premature death in 8%. Non-procedural reasons contributed to 27% of PCCRCs: patient factors, 10%; clinical decision-making, 10%; and administrative factors, 7%. Conclusions This is the largest detailed PCCRC review to date. The majority of PCCRCs were avoidable and caused significant harm. This study clarifies the causes of diagnostic delays and highlights high-risk areas of the colon and high-risk patients, and what needs to be done to reduce PCCRC in the future.

Publication History

Received: 25 February 2025

Accepted after revision: 11 August 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
11 August 2025