COMPARING COLON CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY TO COLONOSCOPY; A PATIENT'S PERSPECTIVE

Aims:

To identify comfort scores and patient preferences between CCE and colonoscopy.

Methods:

Patients from our centre who had both CCE and colonoscopy within the last 12 months were identified. We performed over-the-phone interviews focused on satisfaction, comfort and overall preference. A 10-point scale was used to assess comfort and satisfaction. Electronic records were also reviewed. Student t-test was used to compare parametric data and a p < 0.05 was significant.

Results:

In all, 40 patients were identified. 57.5% (23/40) were female and the mean age was 48 (24 – 78).

There was a statistically significance difference in mean comfort (9.2 vs. 6.7, p < 0.0001) but not satisfaction scores (8.3 vs. 7.7, p = 0.28) between CCE and colonoscopy. Bowel preparation was the main cause of dissatisfaction with CCE.

The correlation between intra-procedural Modified-Gloucester-Comfort-Scale and patient reported values was weak (R = 0.28).

Overall, 77.5% (31/40) of patients would prefer CCE if they required further investigation. Of these, 77.4% (24/31) preferred CCE despite the potential need for follow-up colonoscopy.

Conclusions:

CCE has a high satisfaction rating and has a higher comfort rating than colonoscopy. Studies have confirmed CCE and colonoscopy have equivalent diagnostic yields. The majority of patients in our cohort prefer CCE to colonoscopy. CCE should be considered as an alternative to colonoscopy in selected individuals.