Screening colonoscopy has been found to be effective for distal colon cancer prevention, but its role in preventing right-sided cancer remains uncertain. A recent study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology compares adenoma detection rate with retroflexion versus forward viewing colonoscopy during a second exam of the proximal colon. Here are seven things to know about the study.
• A group of 850 patients were randomly assigned to a retroflexion of forward view group.
• Retroflexion had a success rate of 93.5 percent.
• ADR for the forward view group was 46 percent.
• ADR for the retroflexion group was 47 percent.
• At least one additional adenoma was detected on second withdrawal in both groups.
• Low endoscopist confidence in the first examination of the right colon and older age were predictors for additional adenoma identification in second withdrawal.
• The researchers concluded a second exam of the right colon is beneficial for patients who have adenomas in the right colon and in the case of low endoscopist confidence in the quality of the initial examination.