Abstract
Background and study aims Linked color imaging (LCI), a newly developed optical modality, enhances mucosal surface
contrast. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of insertion-phase LCI
in terms of additional benefit of colorectal polyp detection over that obtained with
white light imaging (WLI).
Patients and methods We consecutively enrolled eligible patients from November 2017 to June 2018. During
colonoscopy, LCI or WLI was alternatively applied on scope insertion and LCI was applied
on scope withdrawal. Patients were divided into two groups according to the protocolized
difference of imaging modality used in the scope insertion phase (LCI and WLI groups).
Group differences in clinical outcomes were evaluated.
Results A total of 138 patients were enrolled in this study, with equal numbers of patients
assigned to the LCI and WLI groups. Most of the lesions located in the proximal colon
were detected during the withdrawal phase, without a difference in proportions between
the two groups. However, in the LCI group, eight of 49 lesions (16 %) located in the
sigmoid and rectosigmoid colon were only detected during the insertion phase, and
no such lesions (0 %) were detected during the insertion phase in the WLI group (P = 0.045).
Conclusions This study showed the efficacy and feasibility of LCI in improving colorectal polyp
detection in the sigmoid colon, especially during insertion. Further studies are warranted
to validate the results of our single-center study.
