Routine colonoscopy with a standard gastroscope. A randomized comparative trial in a western population

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background:

• Colorectal cancer screening has increased the demand for colonoscopic procedures.
• Smaller, more flexible scopes are being developed for complete colon examinations.
• The feasibility of using upper GI scopes for colonoscopy is under consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of using standard upper GI scopes for routine colonoscopy.
• To compare the success rate and efficiency of upper GI scopes versus standard colonoscopes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 650 patients undergoing colonoscopy.
• Patients were examined with either a standard colonoscope or an upper GI scope.
• Cecum intubation success rates and procedure times were recorded.

Main Results:

• Successful cecum intubation rates were comparable: 96% for colonoscopes and 93% for upper GI scopes.
• Procedure time was slightly longer with upper GI scopes (8.7 min vs. 8.2 min).
• Switching to an upper GI scope improved completion rates when initial colonoscopy was incomplete.

Conclusions:

• Standard upper GI scopes can be effectively used for routine colonoscopy.
• This offers a practical alternative in settings where colonoscopes are limited.
• The study supports the use of upper GI scopes for complete colon examinations.