Ileoscopy Yield During Colonoscopy Procedures: An Indication-Based Analysis

Aims While the routine performance of ileoscopy during colonoscopy procedures is perceived to have a low yield, its utility during colonoscopies performed for specific indications have not been well studied. The current study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of indication-based ileoscopies in the real life practice.

Methods We reviewed endoscopic reports of patients who had undergone colonoscopies over a 7-year period (2011-2018) and who had routine ileoscopy during these procedures. Demographic data, indications for colonoscopy, and endoscopic findings were documented. Diagnostic yield and odds ratio for terminal ileum findings were calculated for each indication.

Results Ilesocopy was performed in 1800 patients. Among them, 216 patients had findings in the terminal ileum (ileitis or ulcers). Ileoscopy was performed more in younger population when compared to the overall age of the entire cohort (42.9 ± 11 vs. 51.3 ± 14 years; P < 0.05) and terminal ileum findings were more prevalent in younger ages (38.3 ± 17.6 vs. 43.6 ± 20; P < 0.05). The greatest yield of ileoscopy was evident when performed for the evaluation of chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea (14.4 % vs. 9.3 %; OR = 1.62; P < 0.05) as well as in the setting of follow-up for inflammatory bowel disease (44.4 % vs. 10.6 %; OR = 6.7; P < 0.05). Positive fecal occult blood testing (OR = 0.1, CI 0.02-0.5; P = 0.005) and constipation (OR = 0.44, CI 0.2-0.9; P = 0.04) were negatively associated with terminal ileum findings.

Conclusions Ileoscopy may have the greatest utility in evaluating suspected IBD patients or in their follow up, but may not add value to the evaluation of constipation and positive fecal occult blood. A case-by-case evaluation should be followed for other indications.

Citation: Abu Baker F, Khoury T, Mahamid M et al. eP5 ILEOSCOPY YIELD DURING COLONOSCOPY PROCEDURES: AN INDICATION-BASED ANALYSIS. Endoscopy 2021; 53: S98.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 March 2021