The impact of hysterectomy on subsequent colonoscopy in women with Lynch Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Women with Lynch Syndrome (LS) have a high risk of colorectal and endometrial cancer. They are recommended regular colonoscopies, and some choose prophylactic hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hysterectomy on subsequent colonoscopy in these women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 219 LS women >30 years of age registered in the clinical registry at Section for Hereditary Cancer, Oslo University Hospital, were included. Data included hysterectomy status, other abdominal surgeries, and time of surgery. For colonoscopies, data were collected on cecal intubation rate, challenges, and level of pain. Observations in women with and without hysterectomy, and pre- and post-hysterectomy were compared. RESULTS: Cecal intubation rate was lower in women with hysterectomy than in those without (119/126 = 94.4% vs 88/88 = 100%, p = 0.025). Multivariate regression analysis showed an increased risk of challenging colonoscopies (OR,3.58; CI: 1.52-8.43; p = 0.003), and indicated a higher risk of painful colonoscopy (OR, 3.00; 95%CI: 0.99-17.44, p = 0.052), in women with hysterectomy compared with no hysterectomy. Comparing colonoscopy before and after hysterectomy, we also found higher rates of reported challenging colonoscopies post-hysterectomy (6/69 = 8.7% vs 23/69 = 33.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with hysterectomy had a lower cecal intubation rate and a higher number of reported challenging colonoscopy than women with no hysterectomy. However, completion rate in the hysterectomy group was still as high as 94.4%. Thus, LS women who consider hysterectomy should not be advised against it.

Comparison of the characteristics of the CF-H290I and PCF-Q260JI colonoscopes in non-sedated patients with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to compare the characteristics of the CF-H290I (high-definition) colonoscope with those of the PCF-Q260JI (high-resolution) colonoscope in non-sedated patients with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery in an effort to help endoscopists to select more effectively and objectively between the various colonoscopes. METHODS: A total of 397 patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, between August 2022 and October 2022 were randomized to a CF-H290I group (n = 198) or a PCF-Q260JI group (n = 199) using a computer-generated allocation method. We compared the adenoma detection rate (ADR), patient satisfaction with the examination, discomfort associated with colonoscopy including abdominal distension and pain, cecal intubation time, and patient willingness to undergo colonoscopy in the future between the CF-H290I and PCF-Q260JI groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the overall ADR between the CF-H290I and PCF-Q260JI groups (81 [40.9%] vs 63 [31.7%], Z = 3.674, P = 0.055). However, the ADRs in the transverse colon and left colon were significantly higher in the CF-H290I group (22 [11.1%] vs 6 [3.0%], Z = 9.588, P = 0.002 and 57 [28.8%] vs 37 [18.6%], Z = 5.212, P = 0.017, respectively). More sessile serrated lesions were detected in the CF-H290I group (52 [26.3] vs 30 [15.1%], Z = 7.579, P = 0.006). Patient satisfaction with colonoscopy was better in the PCF-Q260JI group (8.91 ± 1.09 vs 8.51 ± 1.44, t = -3.158, P < 0.01) with less likelihood of discomfort (23 [11.6%] vs 41 [20.7%], Z = 6.144, P = 0.013), The number of patients willing to undergo colonoscopy in the future was significantly greater in the PCF-Q260JI group (168 [84.4%] vs 149 [75.3%], Z = 5.186, P = 0.023). The cecal intubation time was significantly shorter in the CF-H290I group (256.09 ± 155.70 s vs 315.64 ± 171.64 s, P = 0.004). There were no complications such as perforation or bleeding in either group. CONCLUSION: The CF-H290I and PCF-Q260JI colonoscopes each have advantages when used in patients with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery. The CF-H290I has higher ADRs in the transverse and left colon whereas the PCF-Q260JI is less painful and better accepted by patients. This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Wuxi People's Hospital and was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200063092).

Factors predict prolonged colonoscopy before the procedure: prospective registry study.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy difficulty and procedure time can vary between cases, posing challenges for daily scheduling in endoscopy units. In the literature, cecal intubation time (CIT) is commonly used to assess colonoscopy difficulty, yet there is debate regarding the factors influencing CIT. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing CIT. METHODS: In this single-center, prospective, observational study, 915 patients who underwent colonoscopy between July 2023 and April 2024 were evaluated. Failure to achieve cecal intubation due to poor bowel preparation and a history of colorectal surgery were considered as exclusion criteria. Patients with a CIT ≥ 11 min or those with technically failed cecal intubation were categorized into the prolonged CIT subgroup, while those with a CIT < 11 min were analyzed in the normal CIT subgroup. Patients were evaluated based on demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and colonoscopy results. RESULTS: A total of 902 patients included in the final analysis. The median age was 55 years and 55.4% of them were women. The cecal intubation rate was 97.5% (892 patients). The polyp, adenoma, and malignancy detection rate were 27.4, 20.7, and 1.9%, respectively. Median cecal intubation time (CIT) was 6 min (Interquartile range: 4-8). In multivariate analysis, body mass index ≤ 18.5, previous abdominal surgery, increased Wexner Constipation Score, and lesser endoscopist experience were associated with prolonged CIT. CONCLUSIONS: BMI, previous abdominal surgery, severity of constipation, and the experience of endoscopist may affect CIT. Considering these factors during daily planning in the endoscopy unit can lead to more efficient facility utilization.

Starting position during colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Traditional teaching has been to place patients in the left lateral decubitus starting position for colonoscopies. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared left lateral decubitus starting position to other approaches. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare different starting positions for colonoscopies and their effect on cecal intubation. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to July 2023. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were RCTs comparing at least two different starting positions for adults undergoing colonoscopy. The main outcome was cecal intubation time. Meta-analysis used an inverse variance random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Tool for RCTs 2.0. RESULTS: After screening 1523 citations, 14 RCTs were included. Four studies compared left lateral decubitus to right lateral decubitus, four studies compared left lateral decubitus to left lateral tilt-down, three studies compared left lateral decubitus to prone, and three studies compared left lateral decubitus to supine. There were no statistically significant differences in cecal intubation time in seconds across all comparisons: left lateral decubitus vs. right lateral decubitus (MD 14.9, 95% CI - 111.8 to 141.6, p = 0.82, I2 = 85%); left lateral decubitus vs. left lateral tilt-down (MD - 31.3, 95% CI - 70.8 to 8.3, p = 0.12, I2 = 82%); left lateral decubitus vs. prone (MD 17.2, 95% CI - 174.9 to 209.4, p = 0.86, I2 = 94%); left lateral decubitus vs. supine (MD - 149.9, 95% CI - 443.6 to 143.9, p = 0.32, I2 = 89%). CONCLUSION: The starting position for colonoscopies likely does not influence cecal intubation time. This study was limited by heterogeneity.

The Bowel CLEANsing National Initiative: High-Volume Split-Dose Vs Low-Volume Split-Dose Polyethylene Glycol Preparations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare high-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) with low-volume PEG with bisacodyl split-dosing regimens. METHODS: Adult outpatients in 10 Canadian tertiary hospitals were randomized, stratified by morning or afternoon colonoscopy, to high-volume split-dose PEG (2 L + 2 L) (High-SD) or low volume (1 L + 1 L) + bisacodyl (15 mg) PEG (Low-SD), with a second randomization to liquid or low-residue diets. The primary end point, using noninferiority hypothesis testing, was adequate bowel cleansing (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale total score of ≥6, with each of 3 colonic segments subscores ≥2). Secondary objectives were willingness to repeat the preparation, withdrawal time, cecal intubation, and polyp detection rates. RESULTS: Over 29 months, 2314 subjects were randomized to High-SD (N = 1157) or Low-SD (N = 1157) (mean age, 56.2 ± 13.4 y; 52.1% women). Colonoscopy indications were 38.2% diagnostic, 36.8% screening, and 25.0% surveillance, with no between-group imbalances in patient characteristics. Low-SD satisfied noninferiority criteria vs High-SD for adequate bowel cleanliness with only marginally inferior results (90.1% vs 88.1%; P = .02; difference, 2.0%; 95% CI [0.0%; 4.5%]). High-SD was associated with lower willingness to repeat (66.9% vs 91.9%; P < .01), was less well tolerated (7.3 ± 2.3 vs 8.1 ± 1.9; P < .01), causing more symptoms. No differences in procedural outcomes were noted except for more frequent cecal intubation rates after High-SD (97.4% vs 95.6%; P = .02). Among the High-SD group, adequate bowel preparation was greater after a clear liquid diet (93.6% vs 87.9%; P < .01), a finding not seen in the Low-SD group. CONCLUSIONS: Low-SD is noninferior to High-SD in providing adequate bowel preparation. Low-SD results in fewer symptoms, with greater willingness to repeat and tolerability. The overall impact of diet was modest.The study was approved by the research ethic boards from all sites and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02547571).

Short-term intensive gastrointestinal endoscopy training program.

BACKGROUND: In Japan there are limited opportunities for pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) trainees to learn GI endoscopy. This study investigated whether a short-term intensive training for 3 months in an adult GI unit enabled pediatric GI trainees to acquire the required number of cases and the technical competence to perform pediatric GI endoscopic procedures. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of pediatric GI trainees who underwent 3 months of intensive endoscopy training, which also included direct observation and a questionnaire. The numbers of esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD), ileocolonoscopies, and snare polypectomies each trainee performed as well as cecal intubation rates were collected with the goal of meeting the standards of overseas educational guidelines. The trainees were also asked about continuing experience with pediatric endoscopic procedures after the intensive training. RESULTS: There were 10 enrolled trainees, 9 men, average age, 34 (range, 29-41). The average number (range) of EGD and ileocolonoscopies that the 10 trainees had done before this training period was 52 (0-200) and 15 (0-20), respectively. The average number (range) of EGD, ileocolonoscopies and snare polypectomies per each trainee was 651.7 (485-814), 159.2 (130-195) and 25.8 (10-55), respectively, over 3 months: all trainees thus fulfilled all of the criteria of the minimal training requirements. All trainees also reached the required threshold in the cecal intubation rate (>90%). In addition, all trainees were able to perform pediatric endoscopic procedures alone after the intensive training period. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term intensive training for 3 months in an adult GI setting enabled pediatric GI trainees to acquire technical competence for pediatric endoscopic procedures.

The effectiveness of using an abdominal binder during colonoscopy: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Prolongation of cecal intubation time (CIT) directly affects the comfort of the patient and the colonoscopist. In this study, the effectiveness of using an abdominal binder (AB) during colonoscopy on procedure time and colonoscopy outcomes was investigated. METHODS: We conducted a parallel randomized double-blind sham-device-controlled study of patients who underwent elective outpatient colonoscopy between 1 May 2020, and 31 August 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to AB (n = 173) and sham binder (SB) (n = 173) groups. The primary outcome was CIT. Secondary outcomes were the need for auxiliary maneuvers, the cecum intubation length (CIL) of the colonoscope, visual analog scale (VAS) score, narcotic analgesic dose, and colonoscopy results. Moreover, subgroup analysis was performed in terms of age and obesity indices. RESULTS: A total of 346 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean CIT was similar between groups (AB group 240 secs, control group 250 secs, p > .05). Manual pressure requirement was less in the AB group (27 vs. 36%, p = .069). VAS score and the need for extra narcotic analgesic drugs were prominently lower in the AB group (p < .001, p = .016, respectively). In the subgroup analyses, in participants at the age of <60 and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥0.5, manual pressure requirements were significantly shorter in the AB group (p = .017, p = .032, respectively). CONCLUSION: AB use in selected patients may be advantageous during colonoscopy because it reduces the need for analgesics and post-procedure pain, and reduces the need for auxiliary maneuvers in relatively young and obese patients.

A 10-year review of colonoscopy at aminu kano teaching hospital, Kano Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is an investigation modality used for colorectal examination; it is the most accurate technique for the diagnosis and surveillance of important colorectal diseases such as cancers (colorectal cancer) and polyps. Aims: Most studies on colonoscopy in Nigeria were conducted in southwest such as Ilorin, Ife, Ibadan, and Lagos. We therefore feel the need to get information from other regions such as northwest, the area of this study. The aim of this study was to identify the common indications as well as colonoscopic findings among patients who had colonoscopy in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. METHODOLOGY: It was a 10-year retrospective descriptive study of patients who had colonoscopy between January 2008 and December 2017 at the study center. Colonoscopy register was used to extract information concerning the patient's age, gender, symptoms that necessitated the request for the procedure, and the endoscopic findings. RESULTS: A total of 839 patient records were reviewed, males constituted 62.2% of the patients. The mean age ± standard deviation was 43.86 ± 18.36 years, with a range of 8-96 years. The 30-39 years constituted the modal age group, followed by 40-49 years and 50-59 years. The commonest indications for the procedure were rectal bleeding (52.4%), chronic abdominal pain (51.3%), and diarrhea (48.8%). The cecal intubation rate was 98.2% with hemorrhoids as the commonest finding (42.3%) followed by suspected inflammatory bowel disease lesions (18.1%) and suspected colorectal tumors (16.2%). CONCLUSION: The commonest reason for colonoscopy was rectal bleeding while the commonest colonoscopic finding was hemorrhoids.

The impact of sedation on quality metrics of colonoscopy: a single-center experience of 48,838 procedures.

PURPOSE: Investigation of the role of sedation during colonoscopy is meaningful as the advantages of colonoscopy performing with sedation are still controversial. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent colonoscopy in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The sedation rate, adenoma detection rate (ADR), polyp detection rate (PDR), cecal intubation rate (CIR), iatrogenic colonic perforation rate (ICP) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 48,838 colonoscopies (24,498 in males) dated from July 2007 to February 2017 were analyzed. The median age was 50 years (range 16-85 years). An overall sedation rate was 80.38%. The PDR was 26.77%, and was not statistically different between colonoscopy with or without sedation (26.67% vs 27.22, p = 0.474). ADR was 12.9% regardless of applying sedation or not (13.0% vs 12.44%, p = 0.337). The CIR was 87.42% in all examinations with an adjusted CIR of 90.34%, and was higher when performed with sedation than without sedation (88.92% vs 80.64%, p < 0.0001). Five cases (0.01%) of ICP were reported, all of which occurred in patients under sedation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of sedation is associated with increased CIR, but ADR and PDR remain unchanged with or without sedation. However, perforation rate, albeit very low, is significantly higher in sedated patients.

Cecal intubation time between the use of one-channel and two-channel water exchange colonoscopy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Water exchange (WE) colonoscopy is the least painful insertion technique with high adenoma detection rate but requires a longer intubation time. In the published literature, some investigators used the instrument channel for both infusing and suctioning of water (one channel), while others use colonoscopes with an integrated water-jet channel specifically designed for infusing water (two channel). The aim of this study was to compare cecal intubation time between one-channel and two-channel WE. METHODS: A total 120 patients undergoing colonoscopy from May 2017 to April 2019 at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan were randomized to either a two-channel group (n = 60) or a one-channel group (n = 60). The primary outcome was cecal intubation time. RESULTS: The mean cecal intubation time was significantly shorter in the two-channel group compared with the one-channel group (14.0 ± 4.0 vs 17.4 ± 6.7 min, P < 0.001). The two-channel group required less water infused during insertion (564.8 ± 232.4 vs 1213.3 ± 467.5 mL, P < 0.001) but achieved a significantly higher Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score (8.4 ± 0.8 vs 7.5 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) than did the one-channel group. The adenoma detection rate was comparable in the two groups (50.0% vs 48.3%, P = 0.855). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the one-channel WE, two-channel WE showed a shorter cecal intubation time, required less amount of water during insertion, and provided a better salvage cleansing effect. (NCT03279705).

Unsedated Colonoscopy: Impact on Quality Indicators.

BACKGROUND: In the USA, sedation is commonly used for colonoscopies; though colonoscopy can be successfully performed without sedation, outcomes data in this setting are scarce. AIMS: To determine patient characteristics associated with undergoing unsedated colonoscopy and whether adenoma detection rate (ADR) and cecal intubation rate (CIR) differ between sedated and unsedated colonoscopy. METHODS: Using a single-center electronic endoscopy database, we identified patients who underwent outpatient colonoscopy between 2011 and 2018 with or without sedation. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with unsedated colonoscopy, CIR, and ADR. RESULTS: We identified 24,795 patients who underwent colonoscopy during the study period. Of these, 179 patients (0.7%) underwent unsedated colonoscopy. ADR was 27.4% in sedated and 21.2% in unsedated colonoscopies (p = 0.06); CIR was 95.8% in sedated and 85.5% in unsedated patients (p < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 2.06, CI 1.52-2.79) and suboptimal bowel preparation (OR 1.75, CI 1.24-2.45) were associated with undergoing unsedated colonoscopy, while higher BMI was inversely associated with unsedated colonoscopy (BMI 25-29.9: OR 0.44, CI 0.25-0.77). On multivariable analysis, colonoscopy with sedation was associated with CIR (OR 3.79, CI 2.39-6.00) and ADR (OR 1.45, OR 1.00-2.10). CONCLUSION: We found that undergoing outpatient colonoscopy with sedation as opposed to no sedation was significantly associated with a higher CIR and ADR. Our findings suggest sedation is necessary to meet current CIR and ADR guidelines; however, given the potential cost and safety benefits of unsedated colonoscopy, further investigation into methods to improve patient selection and colonoscopy quality indicators is warranted.

A randomized controlled trial comparing right and left lateral decubitus starting position on outcomes in colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Patient positioning in colonoscopy has been proposed as a simple and inexpensive technique to increase luminal distention and improve navigation through the large bowel. We sought to determine if the right lateral (RL) starting position compared to the standard left lateral (LL) starting position could improve outcomes in colonoscopy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 185 patients who were undergoing an elective colonoscopy. Patients were randomized to either a right lateral decubitus starting position or a left lateral decubitus starting position and the primary outcome measure was cecal intubation time. Secondary outcome measures included cecal intubation rate, patient discomfort, and sedation dosage. All colonoscopists who had successfully completed a colonoscopy skills improvement course were included in the trial. A sample size was calculated prior to the start of the study and outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients were randomized to RL starting position and 91 patients were randomized to LL starting position. No difference was found in time to cecal intubation comparing the RL starting position (542.6 s, SD 360.7 s) to LL starting position (497.85 s, SD 288.3 s) (p = 0.354). Variables associated with prolonged cecal intubation time included female gender, General Surgery specialty, less than 5 years of endoscopist experience, a high patient discomfort score, amount of water used, and number of position changes required to reach the cecum. There was no difference in any of the secondary outcome measures aside from the amount of midazolam used, with more midazolam used for patients starting in the right lateral decubitus position. CONCLUSION: This study failed to show an association between cecal intubation time and patient position comparing right and left lateral starting position.

Data quality and colonoscopy performance indicators in the prevalent round of a FIT-based colorectal cancer screening program.

Objective: From the prevalent round of the Danish FIT-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program, we aimed (i) to evaluate the quality of recorded data and (ii) to characterize the colonoscopies by measuring variation in performance indicators between colonoscopists and assessing the ratio between adenoma detection rate (ADR) and polyp detection rate (PDR). Materials and methods: This study included screening colonoscopies performed in Central Denmark Region within 60 days of a positive FIT-result from 1 July 2015 through 30 June 2017. The participants were the colonoscopists, performing these procedures. The quality indicators cecal intubation rate (CIR), PDR, polyp retrieval rate (PRR), ADR and withdrawal time (WT) were evaluated. ADR/PDR ratios were calculated. Results: The concordance between the recorded data and the colonoscopy reports showed Kappa values in the range of 0.47-0.97. The overall CIR was 90.6% (range 73.7%-100%), PDR: 51.9% (range 18.4%-70.2%), PRR: 94.6% (range 69.6%-100%), ADR (conventional adenomas): 50.6% (range 18.4%-70.2%), ADRx (conventional adenomas, traditional serrated adenomas and sessile serrated lesions with dysplasia): 50.9% (range 18.4%-70.2%) and the mean WT was 11.3 min (range 4.5-24.9 min). The ADR/PDR ratio was 92.8% (95% CI: 92.0%-93.6%) and the ADRx/PDR ratio was 93.2% (95% CI: 92.4%-93.9%). Conclusion: Data quality was generally high. We found considerable variation in performance indicators between colonoscopists reflecting the potential for improvement. Further, our findings revealed that the PDR might be a good proxy for ADR in the context of the prevalent round of FIT-based CRC screening programs.

The performance indicator of colonic intubation (PICI) in a FIT-based colorectal cancer screening program.

Objective: Cecal intubation rate (CIR) is known to be inversely associated with interval colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Cecal intubation may be achieved by the use of force and sedation jeopardizing patient safety. The Performance Indicator of Colonic Intubation (PICI) is defined as the proportion of colonoscopies achieving cecal intubation with use of ≤2 mg midazolam and no-mild patient-experienced discomfort. We aimed (i) to measure the variation of PICI between colonoscopists and colonoscopy units; (ii) to assess the correlation between the individual components of PICI; and (iii) to evaluate the association between PICI and commonly used performance indicators. Materials and methods: For the period 1 July 2015 through 30 June 2017 of the prevalent round of the Danish FIT-based CRC screening program, we included colonoscopies performed at four units in the Central Denmark Region within 60 days after a positive FIT-test. The PICI variation was evaluated using rates and ranges. Correlations between individual PICI components were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Polyp detection rate (PDR), Adenoma detection rate (ADR), Polyp retrieval rate (PRR) and Withdrawal time (WT) were assessed within PICI quartiles. Results: The overall PICI was 78.7% with substantial variation between colonoscopists (40.0-91.9%) and units (72.6-82.0%). CIR was significantly correlated with patient-experienced comfort (r = 0.49, n = 73, p < .0001) and we observed that colonoscopists with a PICI between 79.9% and 84.3%) had the highest ADR. Conclusion: We found a substantial variation in PICI between colonoscopists and between colonoscopy units, which may reflect potential for quality improvements.

Ileal intubation is not associated with higher detection rate of right-sided conventional adenomas and serrated polyps compared to cecal intubation after adjustment for overall adenoma detection rate.

BACKGROUND: High cecal intubation rate (CIR) is associated with significant improved adenoma detection rate (ADR), however, self-reported CIR may be overestimated and inadequate documentation of cecal intubation is associated with a lower polyp detection rate compared to clear documentation. We aimed to investigate if ileal intubation may be associated with higher detection rates (DR) for right-sided conventional adenomas (cAD) and serrated polyps (SP) compared to cecal intubation in a large screening colonoscopy cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of individuals ≥50 years with average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) who underwent screening colonoscopy between 01/01/2012 and 14/12/2016 at a tertiary academic hospital and six community-based private practices. Exclusion criteria were conditions with increased risk for CRC (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, history of CRC, hereditary cancer syndromes), previous colonoscopy at the same institution, and incomplete procedures. Right-sided colon was defined as caecum and ascending colon. RESULTS: 4.138 individuals were analysed (mean age 62 years, 52.1% female). DR for right-sided cADs and SPs were significantly higher after ileal compared to cecal intubation in univariate (12.5% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001, and 6.3% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001), but not in multivariate analysis (OR 1.025, 95%-CI 0.639-1.646, p = 0.918, and OR 0.937, 95%-CI 0.671-1.309, p = 0.704). DRs did not differ between ileal and cecal intubation for endoscopists with ADR ≥25 and < 25%, respectively. ADR ≥25% was significantly associated with ileal intubation (OR 21.862, 95%-CI 18.049-26.481, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ileal intubation may not provide any benefit over cecal intubation concerning the detection of cADs and SPs in the right-sided colon.

(Technically) Difficult colonoscope insertion - Tips and tricks.

Cecal intubation is a critical aspect of effective, complete colonoscopy. Difficult colonoscopy is most often considered as one in which it is challenging or impossible to reach the cecum. It may be a common occurrence due to patient and/or endoscopist factors. Incomplete colonoscopies should be avoided, since patients in this context present an important prevalence of lesions that escape examination. The approach to successful cecal intubation should depend on characterization of the problem as redundant colon or difficult sigmoid colon. Most patients with a prior incomplete colonoscopy can be colonoscoped successfully, if careful attention is paid to technique, using a variety of scopes, colonoscopy methods and additional equipment. Sufficient time should be allotted to make the attempt.

Risk factors associated with longer cecal intubation time: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Cecal intubation time (CIT) is an indicator for difficult colonoscopy which is associated with patients' unpleasant experience as well as increased risk of complications. Several studies have attempted to identify predictors for prolonged CIT but those studies tended to be small which gave rise to inconsistent and underpowered results. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to summarize all available data. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched through November 2017 for studies that investigated the factors for prolonged CIT. Only factors that were reported by at least three studies were included in the meta-analyses. Pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects model. The between-study heterogeneity of effect size was quantified using the Q statistic and I2. RESULTS: A total of nine studies involving 7131 patients were included. A total of six factors were analyzed. Patients with older age (≥ 65 versus < 65), female sex (versus male), low body mass index (BMI) (< 25 versus ≥ 25 kg/m2), and poor bowel preparation (versus fair to good) had significantly longer CIT. The presence of diverticulosis and prior abdominal surgery were not significantly associated with prolonged CIT. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analyses have demonstrated that old age, female sex, low BMI, and poor bowel preparation were the predictors for prolonged CIT.

The role of single-balloon colonoscopy for patients with previous incomplete standard colonoscopy: Is it worth doing it?

BACKGROUND: The rate of cecal intubation is a well-recognized quality measure of successful colonoscopy. Infrequently, the standard colonoscopy techniques fail to achieve complete examination. The role of single-balloon overtube-assisted colonoscopy (SBC) in these situations has only been sparsely studied. This prospective single-center study aimed to investigate the technical success (rate of cecal intubation) and the diagnostic gain of SBC. METHODS: The study recruited consecutive patients with previous incomplete standard colonoscopy who were admitted for SBC at our tertiary center in Eastern Switzerland between February 2008 and October 2014. The primary outcome was defined as successful cecal intubation. Data on patient characteristics, indication, technical details of procedure, and outcome were collected prospectively. The Olympus enteroscope SIF-Q180 was used. RESULTS: The study included 100 consecutive patients (median age 70 years; range 38-87 years; 54 % female) who were examined using a single-balloon overtube-assisted technique. The cecal intubation rate was 98 % (98/100). The median time of total procedure was 54 min (range 15-119 min); the median time to reach the cecal pole was 27.5 min (range 4-92 min). Passage of the sigmoid colon was not possible in two cases with a fixed, angulated sigmoid colon. The diagnostic gain was 21 % regarding adenomatous polyps in the right colon. The complication rate was 2 % (2/100, minor) without need for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective patient cohort study shows that single-balloon colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure to achieve a complete endoscopic examination in patients with a previous failed standard colonoscopy. A significant diagnostic and therapeutic gain in the right colon justifies additional procedure time.

Left-colon water exchange preserves the benefits of whole colon water exchange at reduced cecal intubation time conferring significant advantage in diagnostic colonoscopy - a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Whole-colon water exchange (WWE) reduces insertion pain, increases cecal intubation success and adenoma detection rate, but requires longer insertion time, compared to air insufflation (AI) colonoscopy. We hypothesized that water exchange limited to the left colon (LWE) can speed up insertion with equivalent results. METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled study (NCT01735266) allocated patients (18-80 years) to WWE, LWE or AI group (1:1:1). The primary outcome was cecal intubation time. RESULTS: Three hundred subjects were randomized to the WWE (n = 100), LWE (n = 100) or AI group (n = 100). Ninety-four to ninety-five per cent of patients underwent diagnostic colonoscopy. Baseline characteristics were balanced. The median insertion time was shorter in LWE group (4.8 min (95%CI: 3.2-6.2)) than those in WWE (7.5 min (95%CI: 6.0-10.3)) and AI (6.4 min (95%CI: 4.2-9.8)) (both p < 0.001) groups. The cecal intubation rates in unsedated patients of the two water exchange methods (WWE 99%, LWE 99%) were significantly higher than that (89.8%) in AI group (p = 0.01). The final success rates were comparable among the three groups after sedation was given. Maximum pain scores and number of patients needing abdominal compression between WWE and LWE groups were comparable, both lower than those in AI group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed regarding PDR, although the PDR in right colon tended to be higher in WWE group. CONCLUSION: By preserving the benefits of WWE and reducing insertion time, LWE is appropriate for diagnostic colonoscopy, especially in settings with tight scheduling of patients. The higher PDR in the right colon in WWE group deserves to be further investigated.

Factors that determine prolonged cecal intubation time during colonoscopy: impact of visceral adipose tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Various factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and history of operation have been linked to the colonoscopic intubation time. The aims of this study were to identify the factors predicting cecal intubation time (CIT) and to evaluate the effect of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area on CIT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1386 consecutive subjects who underwent colonoscopy and abdominal CT on the same day for a health checkup at a single health care center in Korea from August to December 2011 were studied prospectively. Age, sex, BMI, height, waist circumference, history of operation, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, bowel preparation status, experience of colonoscopists, VAT amount on abdominal CT and time required to reach the cecum were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 53.0 ± 9.6 years, and 63.5% were male. The median CIT was 271 s. Univariate analyses showed that female gender, old age, shorter height, lower BMI, prior history of surgery and lower VAT were associated with longer CIT. To adjust for confounding effects of the gender, we investigated the genders separately in multivariate analysis. Older age and lower VAT were associated with prolonged CIT. However, the significance of association of VAT on prolonged CIT disappeared in women. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that CIT is prolonged by lower VAT area in men. This is the first study to demonstrate a direct association between VAT area and CIT.