Without sedation, a colonoscopy exam can cause discomfort due to the air pumped into the colon, which causes the colon to stretch in order to more easily insert the colonoscope, according to the report. Methods for reducing discomfort have included several water-related techniques.
The study, conducted between April and July 2009, randomly assigned 230 patients to either the water or the air group. The patients, but not the endoscopists, were blinded to the method and then asked during the procedure about abdominal discomfort, pain and whether they wanted sedation/analgesia.
The study confirmed the water method significantly enhanced cecal intubation and patient willingness to undergo a repeat scheduled unsedated colonoscopy.
Read the news release on the study on water methods for unsedated colonoscopy (pdf).
Read more on recent gastroenterology research:
–Study: Non-Specialists Repeat Colonoscopies With Greater Frequency Than Gastroenterologists
–Study: Split Dosage Bowel Prep Solution More Effective Pre-Colonoscopy
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