Excellent Medical Care vs. Average: "Experience" Is The Key To Successful Colonoscopy Treatments

By Keith Loria

A colonoscopy is widely accepted as the most effective method for screening the colon for neoplasia, which is newly formed, abnormal tissue that can be benign or malignant, in patients over the age of 50 and in younger patients with an increased risk for colectral cancer.  

Colonoscopies are an internal examination of the colon and rectum using an instrument called a colonoscope.

According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, getting a colonoscopy can reduce the average person's risk of dying from colorectal cancer by 90 percent.  However, to be most effective a colonoscopy must reach its destination and not every doctor consistently achieves this important goal called cecal intubation rate.  

“Colonoscopy is my greatest strength," Dr. Brian Muska, MD, selected as a Chicago Top Doctor by TopTierMD as a top rated gastroenterologist in Chicago, said. "I typically can get to the cecum fairly quickly and easily. I’ve been doing this for 17 years and probably do 20 to 30 a week, so the number I have done is in the tens of thousands.” 

Dr. Muska is affiliated with both St Alexius Medical Center and Alexian Brothers Medical Center and is considered the specialists that other doctors call in for colonoscopies.  

“I do more than anyone at both hospitals,” Dr. Muska said. “The criteria you see [for doctors] is in how many times you get to the cecum or the end of the colon. We call it the cecal intubation rate. I’m typically at 99 percent in getting to the end of the colon. There are many who can not reach the end of the destination.” 

The success rate of cecal intubation is considered an important quality indicator of colonoscopy. The US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer has recommended that clinicians achieve cecal intubation in at least 90 percent of cases. 

Dr. Brian Muska MD was selected Chicago Top Doctor - Best Chicago Gastroenterologist specializing in colonoscopy screening and polypectomy, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease. He practices in Hoffman Estates, IL and Elk Grove Village, IL