This study is the first to document pain at colonoscopy accurately. Looping, particularly in the variable anatomy of the sigmoid colon, is the major cause of pain, especially in women. Use of MEI may improve pain control by facilitating the straightening of loops within the sigmoid colon, and by enabling the endoscopist to target patient analgesia.

MEI is a reliable and accurate method for determining the anatomical position of the endoscope tip during colonoscopy. When it becomes commercially available, we believe the use of MEI will avoid the need for unnecessary barium enemas for localization of lesions prior to definitive surgery.

Transnasal placement of the Bravo pH capsule is safe, well tolerated, does not require sedation, and avoids endoscopy and its complications.