Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0798-7 (2018)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: "Appropriateness of colonoscopy according to EPAGE II in a low resource setting: a cross 
sectional study from Sri Lanka " 
 
Version: 0 Date: 28 Jan 2018  
 
Reviewer: Ian Roberts -Thomson  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
This paper explores the relationship between outcomes of colonoscopy and adherence to 
guidelines in 5 hospitals in Sri Lanka. The outcome is restricted to colorectal cancer and does not 
include "high -risk" polyps [the latter appear to be less frequent in Asia]. Specific points are as 
follows:  
ABSTRACT. Generally satisfactory but may be a little long and sentence structure could be 
improved in 2 areas.  
METHODS. Probably satisfactory but a statistical review might be helpful.  
RESULTS. A sentence on the effec t of age on outcomes is incomplete and needs to be corrected. 
Part of Table 3 is a little confusing. Under type of colonoscopy, the number of screening 
colonoscopies is listed as 103 - this differs from other information but may be related to 
dichotomised d ata. This needs to be explained.  
DISCUSSION. Generally adequate but probably a little long.Please include all comments for the 
authors in this box rather than uploading your report as an attachment. Please only upload as 
attachments annotated versions of m anuscripts, graphs, supporting materials or other aspects of 
your report which cannot be included in a text format.  
Please overwrite this text when adding your comments to the authors.  
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the  necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
  
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to asses s any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I recommend additional s tatistical review  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
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below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I have no competing interests.  
 
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