Motorized spiral colonoscopy: a first single-center feasibility trial

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Cecal intubation rate is a critical quality metric in diagnostic colonoscopy.
• Standard colonoscopy can be challenging, with a 10% difficulty rate and occasional inability to intubate the cecum.
• A novel motorized spiral endoscope (MSC) aims to improve bowel navigation by actively pleating the colon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of using motorized spiral colonoscopy (MSC) for diagnostic procedures.
• To assess the efficacy of MSC in achieving cecal intubation and detecting adenomas.

Main Methods:

• A proof-of-concept, single-center trial involving 30 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy.
• Patients were enrolled to assess the performance of the motorized spiral colonoscope.

Main Results:

• A high cecal intubation rate of 96.7% was achieved.
• The adenoma detection rate was 46.6%.
• No severe adverse events were reported during the study.

Conclusions:

• Motorized spiral colonoscopy (MSC) is demonstrated to be safe and effective for diagnostic colonoscopy.
• MSC may offer enhanced ease of use compared to standard colonoscopy.
• The technology holds potential for facilitating therapeutic interventions during colonoscopy.