The cap-assisted technique enhances colonoscopy training: prospective randomized study of six trainees

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Colonoscopy and polypectomy are crucial for colorectal cancer prevention.
• Competence in colonoscopy is a key skill for gastrointestinal (GI) trainees.
• Optimal colonoscopy performance requires extensive training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a colonoscopy cap on trainee performance.
• To compare cecal intubation success rates and times between trainees using and not using a cap.
• To assess the effect of cap-assisted colonoscopy on polyp and adenoma detection rates.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving six GI trainees, each performing 100 screening colonoscopies.
• Three trainees used a colonoscopy cap, while three did not.
• Key performance indicators included cecal intubation success rate, intubation time, and detection rates for polyps, adenomas, advanced adenomas, and adenocarcinomas.

Main Results:

• The cap group achieved a significantly higher cecal intubation success rate (80.7% vs 63.3%, p < 0.001).
• Average cecal intubation time was shorter in the cap group (13.7 min vs 18.7 min, p < 0.001).
• No significant differences were observed in polyp, adenoma, advanced adenoma, or adenocarcinoma detection rates between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Cap-assisted colonoscopy may enhance cecal intubation success and reduce procedure time for GI trainees.
• The use of a colonoscopy cap is a valuable training aid for improving procedural efficiency.
• Further research may explore the impact on adenoma detection in broader populations.