Single-balloon colonoscopy versus repeat standard colonoscopy for previous incomplete colonoscopy: A randomized, controlled trial

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33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Optical colonoscopy is the only examination allowing complete visualization of the colon with simultaneous polyp removal. In a minority of patients, a complete examination is unsuccessful. It is unknown whether single-balloon, overtube-assisted colonoscopy (SBC) is superior to simply repeating a standard colonoscopy (SC) on an alternate day. Objective: To compare the success rates of SC and SBC in patients with previous incomplete examinations. Design: Randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Tertiary care academic center. Patients: Thirty subjects with previous incomplete colonoscopy. Interventions: Repeat colonoscopy either by SC or SBC. If cecal intubation was unsuccessful, subjects were crossed over to the alternate group. Results: Thirty subjects (73.3% female, mean age 59.2 years) with previous incomplete colonoscopy were randomized (SBC, 14 subjects; SC, 16 subjects). Cecal intubation was significantly more successful with SBC (92.9%) than with SC (50%) (P = .016). For all SC failures, cecal intubation was successful after crossover to the SBC group (100%). Cecal intubation time was similar in both groups. Proximal colon adenomas were detected in 38.1% of subjects. There were no procedure-related complications. Limitations: Singe endoscopist performing all procedures; inability to ensure all incomplete colonoscopies were included in the study. Conclusions: For patients with a previous incomplete colonoscopy, balloon colonoscopy performed by using the single-balloon enteroscope with an overtube was superior to a repeat attempt with a standard colonoscope. For patients with a previous incomplete examination, consideration should be given to a repeat attempt with balloon colonoscopy if available. (Clinical trial registration number: STU00008540.)

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)507-512
Number of pages6
JournalGastrointestinal endoscopy
Volume73
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • SBC
  • SC
  • single-balloon, overtube-assisted colonoscopy
  • standard colonoscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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