The efficacy of a short transparent hood attached to the tip of the colonoscope: a single-center, randomized, controlled study

Abstract

Objective This prospective randomized controlled trial was to assess efficacy of the cap-fitted colonoscopy (CFC). Methods A total of 160 patients who underwent colonoscopic examinations at Digestive Endoscopy Center of Drum Tower Hospital met the criteria and were randomized to CFC group (n=80) and regular control group (n=80). All colonoscopies were performed by two middle-level endoscopists without anesthesia. BMI, surgery history, starting time, time to access the cecum, ending time, bowel preparation, conclusions, attempts to pass the ileocecal valves, and patient discomfort were recorded after the examinations. Results Among 80 patients in the CFC group, the cecum was not intubated in 7 patients due to narrow bowel with the mean cecal intubation time being 7.5±4.0 minutes. Cecum intubation was not achieved in 4 of the 80 patients in the control group with the mean cecal intubation time being 9.8±4.5 minutes. There was significant difference in the mean cecal intubation time (P=0.011). The terminal ileum was not accessed in 3 patients in the CFC group. The average attempts for passing the ileocecal valves were 1.32 for the rest of 70 patients. The terminal ileum was not accessed in 8 patients in the control group. The average attempts for passing the ileocecal valves were 1.96 for the rest of 68 patients (P=0.001 compared with CFC group). There was no significant difference in polyp detection rate between the CFC group (32.88%, 24/73) and the control group (28.95%, 27/76, P>0.05). Conclusion For middle-level colonoscopists, CFC shortens cecal intubation time, facilitates passing the ileocecal valves, and improves polyp detection rate. This technique is promising for wider use in clinic. Key words: Endoscopy; Colonoscopes; Polyp detection rate; Cecal intubation time; Cap-fitted colonoscopy