Improvement in colonoscopy performance with adjunctive magnetic endoscope imaging: a randomized controlled trial

Although magnetic endoscope imaging (MEI) has been reported to improve the performance of colonoscopy, so far only a few randomized controlled studies have been published supporting its adjunctive role. This randomized study was designed to evaluate the role of MEI on the overall performance of colonoscopy.

Patients admitted for elective colonoscopy were recruited. They were randomly allocated into two groups, either with an MEI view (study group) or without (control group). Examinations were performed by one of the two designated, trained endoscopists. The primary end point was intubation time. Other outcome measures included completion rate, pain score graded by patients, and ease of procedure as reflected by the number of attempts at straightening the scope, the number of times of hand pressure was applied abdominally, and the need to change the patient's position. Endoscopists were also asked to score the ease of procedure. Finally, in the MEI group, endoscopists were asked to comment on whether MEI helped to locate colonic lesions during endoscopy.

In a 12-month period, 120 patients were recruited, with 60 patients in each group. The two groups were matched for age, gender distribution, and indications for colonoscopy. No complication occurred in either group. No significant difference was observed in the intubation time and colonoscopy completion rate. Other measures of ease of procedure and pain score were also similar. However, MEI was reported by endoscopists to be helpful in locating colonic lesions in 32 % of examinations with positive findings.

For trained endoscopists, the device confers no benefit in terms of performance improvement. The only identified benefit is in locating lesions. Thus, while the routine use of MEI cannot be recommended, the device could be selectively offered to patients for follow-up examination after local treatment, or to patients with small colorectal tumors in whom laparoscopic surgery is planned.