Polyp detection in the cecum and ascending colon by dye based chromoendoscopy - Is its routine use justified?

colonoscopy is the best method for detecting polyps, with a reduction in colorectal cancer mortality of 29% and reaching 47% for distal tumors. However, it fails to demonstrate a significant reduction in proximal colon cancer mortality, and is the most common segment with interval neoplasm. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact on detection of polyps of a second sequential evaluation of cecum and ascending colon, with or without the use of indigo carmine chromoendoscopy.

prospective, non-randomized clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups. The first (G1) underwent a routine colonoscopy, followed by a second endoscopy assessment of ascending colon and cecum. The second group (G2) underwent a routine colonoscopy, followed by a second assessment of the ascending colon and cecum with indigo carmine chromoendoscopy.

In total, 203 patients were analyzed, 101 in the G1 and 102 in the G2. Newer polyps were identified in both groups after the second assessment with a significantly higher number of polyps detected in the patients in the G2 (p=0.0001). The number of patients who had at least one polyp in the two endoscopic assessments was significantly higher in the G2 (53 or 52% vs 27 or 26.7%, p=0.0002). In the second endoscopic assessment, the number of polyps found was also significantly higher in the G2 (50 or 76.9%) compared to the G1 (15 or 23.1%), p<0.0001.

the second assessment with dye-based chromoendoscopy increases the detection of polyps in the ascending colon and cecum.