Published online Nov 15, 2020. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v12.i11.1336
Peer-review started: July 13, 2020
First decision: September 17, 2020
Revised: September 27, 2020
Accepted: October 15, 2020
Article in press: October 15, 2020
Published online: November 15, 2020
Processing time: 122 Days and 3.1 Hours
Colonoscopy is the accepted gold standard for the detection of colorectal cancer. However, colonoscopy is less effective in preventing colon cancer in the right side compared with the left side.
To investigate the feasibility of a novel type of retroflexion colonoscope, EC-3490Ti colonoscope, for detection of proximal colon lesions.
In this prospective trial, we recruited patients who underwent colonoscopy for screening or surveillance. When the endoscopists could not grasp the whole observation of the right-side colon mucosa in the forward view (FV), insertion and withdrawal were repeatedly performed in the FV group with the EC38-i10F colonoscope while retroflexion was performed in the retroflexed view (RV) group with the EC-3490Ti colonoscope. Adenoma detection rate, the total number of adenomas per positive participant, the success rate of retroflexion, and endoscope withdrawal time were recorded and compared.
The total adenoma detection rate (39.3% vs 37.7%, P = 0.646) did not show any significant difference between the two groups. However, the polyp detection rate (59.6% vs 51.0%, P = 0.002), adenoma detection rate in the right colon (21.6% vs 14.4%, P = 0.012), and the total number of adenomas per positive participant (2.1 vs 1.7, P = 0.011) reached statistical significance. Retroflexion was achieved in 91.7% of our cohort. Compared with the FV group, the withdrawal time was significantly prolonged in the RV group (586.1 ± 124.4 s vs 508.8 ± 129.6 s, P < 0.001). In contrast, the proportion of additional ancillary pressure decreased (27.4% vs 45.7%, P < 0.001), and the visual analog scale pain scores did not increase (2.7 ± 1.4 vs 2.8 ± 1.4, P = 0.377).
Retroflexion in the proximal colon could be performed successfully and safely with the EC-3490Ti colonoscope. This maneuver could detect more adenomas effectively.
Core Tip: The current prospective randomized trial assessed the feasibility and efficacy of retroflexion colonoscopy in the proximal colon. Unlike previous studies, retroflexion was performed when the mucosa could not be exposed completely in the forward view due to the folds and flexures, instead of second insertion and withdrawal. Retroflexion in the right colon could be performed successfully and safely with the EC-3490Ti colonoscope and detect more adenomas effectively.