Air and carbon dioxide volumes insufflated during colonoscopy.
BACKGROUND
During colonoscopy, air or carbon dioxide is insufflated to secure adequate visualization of the colon, and endoscopy trainees are reminded to use as little gas as possible to avoid patient discomfort. However, the volume of gas insufflated by endoscopists during colonoscopy is unknown. The aim of the present study was to measure volumes of carbon dioxide and air insufflated during colonoscopy.


METHODS
A total 249 consecutive patients participating in a colorectal cancer screening program were randomized to undergo colonoscopy with either carbon dioxide or air insufflation. Gas volumes insufflated during the procedure were measured with a mass-flowmeter. Four experienced endoscopists performed all of the examinations.


RESULTS
Gas volumes were successfully measured in 218 (87%) patients. A mean of 8.3 L of carbon dioxide (range 1.2-19.8 L) and 8.2 L of air (range 1.8-18 L) were insufflated (p = 0.9). Mean volumes insufflated per minute were estimated to be 0.26 L and 0.24 L, respectively, in the carbon dioxide and air groups (p = 0.5). Statistically significant differences in the volumes of gas insufflated per minute were observed among some of the endoscopists.


CONCLUSIONS
The volumes of carbon dioxide and air used during colonoscopy can be estimated. Differences in volumes of gas used by experienced endoscopists were detected.
Bretthauer
Michael
M
The Cancer Registry of Norway Institute for Population-Based Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway.
Hoff
Geir S
GS
Thiis-Evensen
Espen
E
Huppertz-Hauss
Gert
G
Skovlund
Eva
E
D000388:Air / Q000032:analysis*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012212:Rheology
D002245:Carbon Dioxide