Screening colonoscopy: The present and the future

Efficacy of water infusion combined with defoamers in colonoscopy

BACKGROUND

Currently, colonoscopy still needs continuous optimization and exploration of novel alternative approaches to enhance the experience of patients during colonoscopy.

AIM

To analyze the efficacy of water infusion combined with defoamers in colonoscopy.

METHODS

This study included 97 patients undergoing colonoscopy from January 2024 to June 2024. The participants were categorized into two groups, namely, the control group (n = 47), who underwent conventional colonoscopy, and the experimental group (n = 50), who received colonoscopy using water injection combined with defoamers. A comparative analysis was then conducted on the disease detection rate (colonic polyps, colonorrhagia, colonic ulcers, colonic mucosal lesions, and others), colonoscopy duration, abdominal pain [visual analog scale (VAS)], Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), bowel preparation comfort, complications (intestinal perforation, bleeding, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension), and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher total disease detection rate, BBPS scores, and patient satisfaction compared with the control group. Further, the research group exhibited shorter colonoscopy duration, lower VAS and SAS scores and total complication rate, and better patient comfort and satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the combination of water injection and defoamers exhibited an overall better therapeutic effect than conventional colonoscopy, mainly reflected in higher disease detection rate, faster examination efficiency, lower abdominal pain, anxiety, and complication incidences, and significantly better bowel preparation, comfort, and patient satisfaction.

Day before late regimen vs standard split dose of low-volume PEG-CS for early morning colonoscopy: Multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Despite lower patient adherence, the overnight split-dose (SD) intestinal preparation regimen is currently recommended for early morning colonoscopies. Using low-volume preparation, we compared performance of a "day before late" (DBL) regimen, with the whole preparation taken between 8.30 pm and midnight on the day before the endoscopic procedure vs the overnight SD regimen for colonoscopies scheduled between 8 am and 10 am.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized to the DBL group (n = 162) or SD group (n = 158). The SD group took the second dose 5 hours before colonoscopy. Successful bowel cleansing, defined as an overall Boston Bowel Preparation Score ≥ 3, safety, compliance and tolerability were assessed in the two groups.

RESULTS

The DBL regimen failed to demonstrate non-inferiority compared with the SD regimen in terms of successful bowel cleansing (DBL, 88.2 % vs SD, 98.1%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis on colonoscopies before 9 am showed BBPS ≥ 3 rates of 94.6% and 100% in the DBL and SD groups, respectively P = 0.126). The two regimens showed similar compliance and tolerability. Compared with SD patients (25.5%), a lower proportion of DBL patients (13.9%) reported fear of incontinence during the journey to the hospital ( P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Albeit more tolerable, the DBL regimen was less effective than the SD regimen with regard to successful bowel cleansing for colonoscopies between 8 am and 10 am. Subgroup analysis on colonoscopies scheduled before 9 am showed that the two regimens have similar efficacy, suggesting that the DBL regimen may be a valuable alternative to the SD regimen for very early morning colonoscopies.

A multi-modal training environment for colonoscopy with pressure feedback

BACKGROUND

Colonoscopy is a complex procedure with a 3-5% failure rate even for experts. Mastering endoscopy skills and reducing complication rates extend well beyond the initial training phase for most endoscopists, and continues into their clinical experience. Thus, continuing efforts should focus on optimizing training methods to make them individualized with clear objective learning goals for trainees.

METHODS

A hybrid (physical and computer) colonoscopy training simulator was developed using a novel pressure-sensing sleeve covering the full length of a colonoscope, and a physical colon simulator (Kyoto Kagaku) along with custom-designed training software to visualize the color-mapped 3D pressure profile of the colonoscope during the simulated procedure and provide a visual and quantitative evaluation of the endoscopist's skills post-procedure. A system usability questionnaire and objective evaluation metrics were used to determine the model's effectiveness as a training tool.

RESULTS

Thirty-three participants were enrolled in the study, among which 8 were experts and 25 trainees. The interactive maximum and average pressures applied by the trainees were generally higher than those applied by experts, however, this difference was only statistically significant in the recto-sigmoid region. The mean average pressure applied in the rectum and the rectosigmoid region was 6.5 kPa for the experts compared to 13.7 kPa for the trainees, with a p-value of 0.011. Both groups agreed that the system is easy to understand and use, and would be helpful as a learning aid in training programs for colonoscopy skills.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed system is expected to enhance the quality of colonoscopy procedures by enabling endoscopists to adopt safer and more efficient navigational skills. The evaluation metrics discussed in this research offer useful insights into the performance of endoscopists, and the ability of trainees to compare their performance against expert benchmarks will enable them to establish personalized objective training goals.

Surgical Insight-guided Deep Learning for Colorectal Lesion Management

BACKGROUND

Colonoscopy stands as a pivotal diagnostic tool in identifying gastrointestinal diseases, including potentially malignant tumors. The procedure, however, faces challenges in the precise identification of lesions during visual inspections. The recent strides in AI and machine learning technologies have opened avenues for enhanced medical imaging analysis, including in the field of colonoscopy.

METHODS

In this study, we developed and evaluated a deep learning (DL) model, ColoNet, for detecting lesions in colonoscopic images. We analyzed 1760 images from 306 patients who underwent colorectal surgery between 2009 and 2022, meeting specific inclusion criteria. These images were used to train and validate ColoNet, employing the YOLOv8 architecture and various data augmentation techniques. Deep learning metrics are assessed via YOLO architecture and trained model diagnostic accuracy was assessed via sensitivity, specifity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

RESULTS

Our results from the validation dataset revealed a precision of 0.79604, a recall of 0.78086, an mAP50 of 0.83243, and an mAP50-95 of 0.4439. In addition, on a separate real-time dataset of 91 images consisting both healthy and suspect lesions, ColoNet achieved a sensitivity of 70.73%, specificity of 92.00%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 87.88%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 79.31%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 8.84 and 0.32, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 82.42%.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our model has demonstrated promising results, indicating its potential as a valuable tool to assist surgeons during colonoscopy procedures. Its ability to detect suspicious lesions with potential malignancy offers a noteworthy advancement in the early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancers. Further multicentric, prospective research and validation are warranted to fully realize its clinical applicability and impact.

Restrictive diets are unnecessary for colonoscopy: Non-inferiority randomized trial

Background and study aims In colonoscopy, preparation is often regarded as the most burdensome part of the intervention. Traditionally, specific diets have been recommended, but the evidence to support this policy is insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the decision not to follow a restrictive diet on bowel preparation and colonoscopy outcomes. Patients and methods This was a multicenter, controlled, non-inferiority randomized trial with FIT-positive screening colonoscopy. The subjects were assigned to follow the current standard (1-day low residue diet [LRD]) or a liberal diet. The allocation was balanced for the risk of inadequate cleansing using the Dik et al. score. All participants received the same instructions for morning colonoscopy preparation. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate preparations as defined by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Secondary outcomes included tolerability and measures of colonoscopy performance and quality. Results A total of 582 subjects were randomized. Of these, 278 who received the liberal diet and 275 who received the 1-day LRD were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. Non-inferiority was demonstrated with adequate preparation rates of 97.8% in the 1-day LRD and 96.4% in the liberal diet group. Tolerability was higher with the liberal diet (94.7% vs. 83.2%). No differences were found with respect to cecal intubation time, aspirated volume, or length of the examination. Global and right colon average adenoma detection rates per colonoscopy were similar. Conclusions The liberal diet was non-inferior to the 1-day LRD, and increased tolerability. Colonoscopy performance and quality were not affected. (NCT05032794).

Splenic artery embolisation for splenic injury during colonoscopy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Splenic injury due to colonoscopy is rare, but has high mortality. While historically treated conservatively for low-grade injuries or with splenectomy for high-grade injuries, splenic artery embolisation is increasingly utilised, reflecting modern treatment guidelines for external blunt trauma. This systematic review evaluates outcomes of published cases of splenic injury due to colonoscopy treated with splenic artery embolisation.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed of published articles concerning splenic injury during colonoscopy treated primarily with splenic artery embolisation, splenectomy, or splenorrhaphy from 1977 to 2022. Datapoints included demographics, past surgical history, indication for colonoscopy, delay to diagnosis, treatment, grade of injury, splenic artery embolisation location, splenic preservation (salvage), and mortality.

RESULTS

The 30 patients treated with splenic artery embolisation were of mean age 65 (SD 9) years and 67% female, with 83% avoiding splenectomy and 6.7% mortality. Splenic artery embolisation was proximal to the splenic hilum in 81%. The 163 patients treated with splenectomy were of mean age 65 (SD 11) years and 66% female, with 5.5% mortality. Three patients treated with splenorrhaphy of median age 60 (range 59-70) years all avoided splenectomy with no mortality. There was no difference in mortality between splenic artery embolisation and splenectomy cohorts (p = 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Splenic artery embolisation is an effective treatment option in splenic injury due to colonoscopy. Given the known benefits of splenic salvage compared to splenectomy, including preserved immune function against encapsulated organisms, low cost, and shorter hospital length of stay, embolisation should be incorporated into treatment pathways for splenic injury due to colonoscopy in suitable patients.

Development and validation of a nomogram predictive model for colorectal adenoma with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia using routine laboratory tests: A single-center case-control study in China

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world and has a high mortality rate. Colorectal adenoma (CRA) is precancerous lesions of CRC. The purpose of the present study was to construct a nomogram predictive model for CRA with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) in order to identify high-risk individuals, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately reducing the incidence of CRC.

Methods

We conducted a single-center case-control study. Based on the results of colonoscopy and pathology, 320 participants were divided into the CRA group and the control group, the demographic and laboratory test data were collected. A development cohort (n = 223) was used for identifying the risk factors for CRA with LGIN and to develop a predictive model, followed by an internal validation. An independent validation cohort (n = 97) was used for external validation. Receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plot and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate discrimination ability, accuracy and clinical practicability of the model.

Results

Four predictors, namely sex, age, albumin and monocyte count, were included in the predictive model. In the development cohort, internal validation and external validation cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) of this risk predictive model were 0.946 (95%CI: 0.919-0.973), 0.909 (95 % CI: 0.869-0.940) and 0.928 (95%CI: 0.876-0.980), respectively, which demonstrated the model had a good discrimination ability. The calibration plots showed a good agreement and the decision curve analysis (DCA) suggested the predictive model had a high clinical net benefit.

Conclusion

The nomogram model exhibited good performance in predicting CRA with LGIN, which can aid in the early detection of high-risk patients, improve early treatment, and ultimately reduce the incidence of CRC.

Sedation Is Associated with Higher Polyp and Adenoma Detection Rates during Colonoscopy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Aims

Currently sedation is a common practice in colonoscopy to reduce pain of patients and improve the operator satisfaction, whereas its impact on examination quality, especially adenoma detection rate (ADR) is still controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association of sedation with ADR.

Methods

Consecutive patients receiving colonoscopy between January 2017 and January 2020 at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China, were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to investigate the association between sedation and ADR. Subgroup analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, as sensitivity analysis, were performed to validate the independent effect.

Results

The ADR was significantly higher in cases with sedation (ADR: 36.9% vs. 29.1%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-1.55, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the sedation was an independent factor associated with ADR (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.35-1.65, P < 0.001). The effect was consistent in subgroup analyses (P > 0.05) and PSM analysis (ADR: 37.6% vs. 29.1%, OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.33-1.63, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Sedation was associated with a higher polyp and ADR s during colonoscopy, which can promote the quality of colonoscopy.

Choice of injection time of conscious sedation and its impact on pain control in colonoscopy

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of different injection times on pain during colonoscopy procedure.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the data of patients who underwent colonoscopy from June 2020 to September 2020 were assessed to investigate the effect of different injection time of sedative drugs (midazolam and dezocine). The primary endpoint was evaluating the pain intensity of the patients using visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after colonoscopy .

Results

A total of 152 patients were eligible for this study. Of them, 76 received midazolam and dezocine injection 1 min prior to the colonoscopy procedure (the 1 Min group) and the other 76 patients received the injection 3 min prior to the procedure (the 3 Min group). The vital signs of all patients were stable except for one patient who was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease in the 3 Min group. A transient drop in blood pressure for this patient was observed during colonoscopy but returned to normal after general treatment. The two groups had similar rates of cecal intubation (84.21% vs. 90.97%, P = 0.22), addition of sedative drugs during procedure (2.63% vs. 5.26%, P = 0.68), and adequate bowel preparation (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale ≥6, 61.84% vs. 61.84%, P = 1.0). However, patients in the 3 Min group had significantly lower VAS than those in the 1 Min group [0 (0, 1) vs. 1 (0, 2), P = 0.041].

Conclusion

The timing of drug injection during conscious sedation may affect pain control during colonoscopy, with 3 min prior to the procedure showing lower VAS.