Significance of colonoscope length in cecal insertion time

Abstract

Background: According to a previous study, a longer insertion time was associated with inadequate bowel cleansing, advanced age, constipation, surgical history sex, and a low body mass index. However, there are only a few studies on the association between cecal insertion time and colonoscope length (long vs intermediate).

Objective: To assess the association of colonoscope length and cecal insertion time.

Design: Prospective comparative trial, with systematic assignment to colonoscope length.

Patients: A total of 998 colonoscopic examinations were performed by I Single endoscopist, Who used video colonoscopes.

Main Outcome Measurements: Cecal insertion times and their potential covariates.

Results: The mean (+/- SEM) age was 49.06 +/- 0.4 years, 61% were men, Bind the mean (+/- SEM) body mass index was 24.17 +/- 2.96. The mean (+/- SEM) cecal insertion time was 4.68 +/- 0.09 Minutes. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that sex (female, P = .000), colonoscope length (long, P = .000), increasing age (P = .000), percentage of body fat (P = .006), and inadequate bowel cleansing (P = .002) were independent factors associated with a longer insertion time.

Limitations: All procedures were performed by only one gastroenterologist, so the individual Characteristics of colonoscopic procedures could be affected by a consequent bias.

Conclusions: This large, cross-sectional study identified colonoscope length as a useful factor that affected cecal insertion time. (Gastrointest Endosc 2009;69:503-8.)