Proper Selection of Colonoscope According to Gender, Age and Bmi of the Patient

Abstract

Background and Aim: Various types of colonoscope are available for total colonoscopy, including those with variable stiffness (VS) and/or magnetic endoscope imaging (MEI). Factors related to the patient, such as gender, age and body mass index (BMI), also affect the degree of technical difficulty associated with the procedure. The present study investigated, using retrospective analyses, which type of colonoscope was appropriate, in relation to gender, age and BMI, in order to overcome procedural difficulties. Methods: Three types of colonoscope (CF-240I, fixed stiffness type; CF-240AI, VS type; CF-240DI, VS type with MEI) were used for a total of 433 consecutive patients who underwent total colonoscopy by five experienced endoscopists at Tokai University Hospital from August 2001 to August 2003. Cases with a history of abdominal surgery, requests by physicians for a particular type of colonoscope, or sedation during the procedure were excluded. Age, gender, body height and weight, and cecal intubation time (primary endpoint) were recorded. Results: Use of the VS scope resulted in a shorter intubation time in the subgroups of female, younger (age < 40 years) or older (age ≥ 60 years), and thin (BMI < 20 kg/m 2 ) patients when compared with a conventional scope. There was no significant difference between results obtained with VS and VS + MEI in any subgroup. Conclusion: The VS type of colonoscope seems to be the best choice for an easier procedure in particular patient subgroups. In the present study, no advantage was demonstrated for VS + MEI over VS alone.

Double-balloon endoscopy versus magnet-imaging enhanced colonoscopy for difficult colonoscopies, a randomized study

“…Although reaching the cecum is essential to evaluate the entire colon, even experienced colonoscopists fail to reach the cecum with the colonoscope in approximately 2 % -10 % of cases [2,3]. Several studies have identified factors that influence the technical success of colonoscopy, revealing female sex, older age, lower body mass index (BMI), prior abdominal surgery, and patient pain as predictors of incomplete colonoscopy [4,5]. Various methods have been adopted to improve cecal intubation rates, including applying pressure to the abdomen, changing patient position, and using various devices and special scopes, such as the variable-stiffness colonoscope, gastroscope, pediatric colonoscope, and enteroscope.…”