One or two operator technique and quality performance of colonoscopy: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy

Background:

• The two-operator technique for colonoscopy is common in Europe.
• Previous uncontrolled data suggested one-operator technique may improve adenoma detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if the two-operator technique achieves comparable adenoma detection rates to the one-operator technique.

Main Methods:

• A non-inferiority trial randomized patients to one-operator or two-operator colonoscopy.
• Adenoma detection rate was the primary outcome measure.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in adenoma detection rates (33% vs. 30.7%) between one-operator and two-operator techniques.
• Cecal intubation rates, procedure times, and patient tolerability were also comparable.

Conclusions:

• The study does not support a higher adenoma detection rate for the one-operator technique.
• Changing current practice for endoscopists using the two-operator technique is not warranted based on these findings.