Colon polyp detection using linked color imaging compared to white light imaging: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic Imaging Technologies
• Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background:

• Linked Color Imaging (LCI) is an innovative technology designed to enhance visualization of colorectal lesions.
• It improves color contrast between lesions and mucosa, aiding in polyp detection.
• LCI provides sufficient brightness for illuminating the wide colorectal lumen during examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Linked Color Imaging (LCI) versus White Light Imaging (WLI) for detecting colorectal polyps.
• To evaluate the impact of LCI on overall polyp and adenoma detection rates.
• To assess the ability of LCI to detect previously missed polyps.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective studies.
• Studies comparing LCI and WLI for colorectal polyp detection were selected.
• Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel random effect model.

Main Results:

• Seven studies were included in the analysis.
• LCI demonstrated significantly superior polyp detection (RR 1.16) and adenoma detection (RR 1.26) compared to WLI.
• LCI increased the mean number of detected polyps and adenomas per patient and significantly improved the detection of flat polyps and missed polyps in the right colon.

Conclusions:

• Linked Color Imaging (LCI) offers significantly higher polyp and adenoma detection rates than White Light Imaging (WLI).
• LCI is effective in detecting previously missed polyps, particularly flat lesions.
• The study recommends the routine adoption of LCI for colonoscopies to improve diagnostic yield.