title: A prospective study of factors that determine cecal intubation time at colonoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For outpatient colonoscopy, the time required to intubate the cecum is variable. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with cecal intubation time.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 693 consecutive outpatient colonoscopies performed from January to October 2002 at a tertiary care medical center were studied prospectively. Data gathered included time required to reach the cecum; patient age, gender, and body mass index; history of abdominal surgery; quality of bowel preparation; presence/absence of diverticula; and endoscopist experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete data were available for 587 patients. Mean age was 59 years, 48% were men, and mean body mass index was 28. Median cecal intubation time was 9 minutes. Linear regression analysis was performed. Cecal intubation time is prolonged by the following factors: older patient age, female gender, lower body mass index, poor bowel preparation, and lower endoscopist annual case volume.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This large, prospective study identified 5 factors that prolong the time required for cecal intubation at colonoscopy. These factors may be used to individualize scheduling of colonoscopy according to the time required.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Crystal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thorn
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Monsees
authors.forename: Rhonda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Spell
authors.forename: J Barry
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002432:Cecum; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors