The efficacy of cap-assisted colonoscopy performed by a single endoscopist in patients after colorectal resection.

BACKGROUND: The use of a transparent cap is regarded as a simple method to obtain better outcomes compared with standard colonoscopy. In this study, we investigated whether cap-assisted colonoscopy can improve the quality of procedure-related outcomes in patients with a history of colorectal resection.

METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled trial conducted at a single tertiary center by a single endoscopist (Kang J.). A total 183 patients after colorectal resection due to primary colorectal cancer were enrolled and 1:1 randomized to undergo either cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAP group) or standard colonoscopy (non-CAP group). The primary endpoint was the comparison of cecal intubation time between the 2 groups.

RESULTS: The mean cecal intubation time of the CAP group (n = 89) was significantly shorter than that of the non-CAP group (n = 89) (538 seconds vs 677 seconds, P = 0.024). In the CAP group, the endoscopist performed faster intubation than average more often compared with the non-CAP group (71.9% vs 57.3%). In regard to moving average curve, the CAP group showed a gentle slope during the learning period, while the non-CAP group showed a steep decrease.

CONCLUSION: The cap-assisted colonoscopy could reduce cecal intubation time and achieve more frequent faster intubation compared with standard colonoscopy in patients after colorectal resection.