Warm water infusion during sedated colonoscopy does not decrease amount of sedation medication used.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Patient Comfort

Background:

• Water infusion during colonoscopy may reduce patient discomfort and sedation requirements compared to air insufflation.
• Warm water is hypothesized to further ease the procedure by reducing colon spasms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of warm (35°-38°C) versus cool (20°-23°C) water infusion during colonoscope insertion.
• Key metrics included patient sedation medication use and discomfort scores.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, controlled, double-blinded study was conducted.
• 175 adult patients undergoing elective outpatient sedated screening colonoscopies were enrolled.
• Outcomes measured: sedation use, pain, cecal intubation rates and times, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in sedation medication requirements (fentanyl, midazolam) between warm and cool water groups.
• Patient pain scores, satisfaction scores, and cecal intubation rates (100%) were similar across both groups.
• Cecal intubation times and willingness to repeat the procedure were also comparable.

Conclusions:

• Warming water before infusion is not necessary for patients undergoing sedated colonoscopies.
• Findings suggest that temperature control of infused water does not alter key procedural outcomes or patient experience.