Multiple reports show hydrocolonoscopy effectively aids in efficient cecal intubation rates, reduces the need for narcotics and demonstrates improved abdominal pain scores compared with air insufflation in both minimally and unsedated cohorts. One study Dr. Robbins cites in his column examined whether the use of hydrocolonoscopy eliminated the need for on-demand sedation. Results showed 12.9 percent of test subjects undergoing water method requested sedation, compared to 21.9 percent of test subjects undergoing air insufflation. Overall tolerability was also higher in the water method group.
In a second study, 42 patients were assigned to the water method colonoscopy and 40 patients were assigned to the air method colonoscopy. Patients were evaluated for discomfort, willingness to repeat the procedure, cecal intubation rates as well as adenoma detection rates. Patients in the water group reported better discomfort scores and an increased willingness to repeat the procedure. Overall procedure time and adenoma detection rates remained the same across both groups.
Read the article about hydrocolonoscopy.
Read other coverage about water method in colonoscopy:
– Researchers Seek to Confirm Benefits of Water Method Over Sedation During Colonoscopies
– Study: Patient Tolerance for Unsedated Colonoscopy Improved by Novel Water Method
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