How Much Knowledge Gynecologists Have of High-Resolution Anoscopy as Diagnostic Method for Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia, in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: It is important that gynecologists know about high resolution anoscopy and anal intraepithelial neoplasia to detect those women with risk factors and thus be able to establish different strategies for early detection, treatment and follow-up.
Objective: To determine how much knowledge gynecologists have of high resolution anoscopy as a diagnostic method for anal intraepithelial neoplasia in women, in Colombia.
Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal study of gynecologists, in Colombia, is carried out during from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. The information was collected through a survey conducted in a personalized way to a representative sample of
gynecologists in the country (n = 350). The survey included questions about risk factors and learning programs, among others.
Results: Three hundred fifty (350) gynecologists were surveyed. Only 1% had training in colposcopy. Despite this, 7% of them performed colposcopy in their practice. 78% of the gynecologists were trained in university programs where there was no content on anal intraepithelial lesions or the use of anoscopy. Thirty-seven percent were unable to identify any of the known indications for high-resolution anoscopy in the female population.
Conclusions: Due to the close relationship of premalignant lesions of the cervix, vulva, and anus with HPV infection, it is considered important that both medical personnel in charge of women's health, as well as gynecologists in Colombia, expand their knowledge
to perform high-resolution anoscopy, and thus be able to detect the main risk factors that allow early diagnosis and treatment.