Accuracy of assessment of the extent of examination by experienced colonoscopists

Monte L. Anderson, Russell I. Heigh, Gretchen A. McCoy, Kevin Parent, John R. Muhm, Gary S. McKee, William G. Eversman, Joseph M. Collins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

One hundred colonoscopies were done. The colonoscopist noted whether the cecum had been intubated as well as the markers used to make this determination. With the colonoscope in position at maximum penetration, a radiologist independently determined its position using fluoroscopy, with a contrast agent delivered through the colonoscope. The cecum was entered in 86 of 100 cases. The tip of the colonoscope was at the level of the ileocecal valve in nine additional cases; the colonoscopist judged that the cecum was well seen in five of these nine. In one case, the colonoscopist overestimated the extent of the examination when transillumination in the right lower quadrant was the only confirming marker. When the more reliable markers (ileocecal valve, appendiceal orifice, converging indentations of the taenia coli in the cecal pole) were seen, no errors were made. Experienced colonoscopists are accurate in assessing the extent of colonoscopy and fluoroscopic confirmation is not routinely needed. When reliable markers are not seen during the examination, a barium enema, preferably with air contrast, should be done.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)560-563
Number of pages4
JournalGastrointestinal endoscopy
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Gastroenterology

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