An effective instillation method for water-assisted colonoscopy as performed by in-training endoscopists in terms of volume and temperature.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: There is general consensus that water instillation helps insert a colonoscope. However, the most effective method for water instillation has not yet been established, especially for endoscopists-in-training. The aim of this study was to determine volume and temperature for effective water instillation colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial that was carried out at a single center, and a total of 207 consecutive subjects who underwent colonoscopic examination for health checkup were included in the study. Water instillation of supplied water was conducted under four different conditions: 100 and 300 ml at room temperature, 300 ml at 30 °C and no use of water instillation. The following parameters were recorded and analyzed: intubation success rate, independent predictors of successful intubation and intubation time to reach the cecum.
RESULTS: The intubation success rate was not significantly different between individual groups. Independent predictors of successful intubation were younger age (P = 0.004) and later examined subjects (P = 0.016). The 300-ml warm water instillation during colonoscopy significantly reduced intubation time over the conventional method without water instillation (P = 0.034).
CONCLUSIONS: Instillation of 300-ml warm (30 °C) water during colonoscopy can reduce cecal intubation time for in-training endoscopists without improving the intubation success rate.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes