Success rate and duration of paediatric outpatient colonoscopy

The paediatric colonoscopy completion rates have rarely been reported.

We sought to evaluate colonoscopy completion rate and compare the rates using colonoscope versus enteroscope.

We prospectively investigated 60 patients who underwent colonoscopy between July 1999 and June 2001. The following data were collected: demographics, type of endoscope used, extent of colonoscopy, indication for procedure, histology, adverse events and time to reach the caecum and the terminal ileum.

Sixty colonoscopies were performed during the study period, 30 with an enteroscope and 30 with a colonoscope. The caecum was reached in 56/60 (93%) and the terminal ileum in 50/60 (83%). An average time of 12.61 min (S.D. 7.3) was necessary to advance the instrument from the anus to the caecum, and additional 3.67 min (S.D. 3.62) to terminal ileum. There was no difference in the success rate between enteroscope and colonoscope. Six patients (10%) had definitive diagnosis established because a full colonoscopy was performed. No serious adverse events occurred.

Paediatric colonoscopy to the caecum can be completed safely and expeditiously in more than 90% of procedures. Various types of instruments do not appear to influence completion rate. Full colonoscopy contributes to the establishment of a definitive diagnosis.