Endoscopy 2014; 46(03): 190-195
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1365016
Original article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Carbon dioxide insufflation can significantly reduce toilet use after colonoscopy: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Wen-Feng Hsu
1   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
,
Wen-Hao Hu
1   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
,
Yen-Nien Chen
1   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
,
Ho-Hsien Lai
2   Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
,
Meng-Kan Chen
2   Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
,
Li-Chun Chang
3   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
,
Chia-Hong Tu
4   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
,
Chu-Kuang Chou
5   Division of gastroenterology and hepatology, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
,
Hsiu-Po Wang
4   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
,
Ming-Shiang Wu
4   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
,
Han-Mo Chiu
4   Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

submitted28. Oktober 2013

accepted after revision20. Januar 2014

Publikationsdatum:
26. Februar 2014 (online)

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Background and study aims: Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during colonoscopy can significantly decrease abdominal pain and bloating after the procedure, but its impact on the frequency and duration of toilet use remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of CO2 insufflation on toilet use after screening colonoscopy.

Methods: From 138 average-risk individuals who underwent screening colonoscopy during March to August 2013, 120 were enrolled and randomized to receive either CO2 or air insufflation at colonoscopy. Both the colonoscopist and participant were blinded to the type of gas used. Abdominal pain and distension were assessed using a visual analog scoring system. The frequency and duration of toilet visits during a 2-hour postcolonoscopy period were recorded using a radiofrequency identification system.

Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups in terms of age, sex, and procedure time. In the 2 hours after colonoscopy, 50 participants (83 %) in the air group and 18 participants (30 %) in the CO2 group (P < 0.001) used the toilet at least once. The mean (± SD) duration of each toilet visit was 5.93 ± 4.65 minutes in the air group and 1.53 ± 2.84 minutes in the CO2 group (P < 0.001). The abdominal discomfort score was lower in the CO2 group than in the air group both at the end of the colonoscopy (P < 0.001) and 2 hours later (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Insufflation with CO2 can significantly reduce abdominal discomfort and toilet use after colonoscopy. Use of this technique may help reduce patient burden and allow more efficient use of space in the endoscopy unit.