Transparent cap colonoscopy versus standard colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Due to the increasing demand for colonoscopy, devices to advance examination techniques are highly sought after. Several studies have examined the use of a transparent cap attached to the tip of the colonoscope, but the data are inconsistent. The aim of our study was to establish whether transparent cap colonoscopy is beneficial in the improvement of caecal intubation rate, time and polyp detection. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis in the form of a Cochrane review to evaluate these outcomes. We included fourteen randomised controlled trials that have been published to date. Transparent cap colonoscopy demonstrates a significant reduction in caecal intubation time, by an average of 48 s, when compared to standard colonoscopy. There was no significant difference in caecal intubation rate or polyp detection between the two groups. Despite a significant difference in caecal intubation time, the clinical significance of the transparent cap remains to be seen. We believe further research is needed to investigate this adjunct.