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Water Exchange Colonoscopy in Elderly Patients
Sponsor: First People's Hospital Of Lin'an District, Hangzhou
Summary
Colonoscopy is an important test for detecting colorectal polyps and cancer, but it can cause pain and discomfort, especially in older adults. Traditional colonoscopy uses air to expand the colon. Water exchange colonoscopy uses warm water instead of air, which may reduce pain and make the examination easier. This study compared four colonoscopy methods in patients aged 55 years and older: non-anesthesia water injection, non-anesthesia gas insufflation, anesthesia water injection, and anesthesia gas insufflation. Two hundred participants were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. The study measured pain using a visual analog scale, the time needed to reach the cecum, and blood levels of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2). The results may help doctors choose a safer and more comfortable colonoscopy method for older patients, especially when anesthesia may not be suitable.
Official title: Water Exchange Colonoscopy in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
55 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
200
Start Date
2024-11-01
Completion Date
2026-01-01
Last Updated
2026-09-21
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Water exchange colonoscopy
During endoscope insertion, warm water at 37°C is injected through the biopsy channel to facilitate the procedure. Gas and liquid within the cavity are aspirated as thoroughly as possible. A minimal amount of gas is introduced for observation when necessary.
Gas insufflation colonoscopy
Conventional air insufflation is employed to expand the intestinal lumen, thereby aiding in endoscope insertion.
Propofol and opioid anesthesia
Intravenous general anesthesia consisting of propofol combined with a small quantity of opioid drugs, administered by an anesthesiologist prior to the examination, with continuous monitoring of vital signs.
Locations (1)
Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lin'an District, Hangzhou
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China