Water-aided colonoscopy.
Water-aided methods for colonoscopy include the established water immersion and the recent novel modification of water exchange. Water immersion entails the use of water as an adjunct to air insufflations to facilitate insertion. Water exchange evolved from water immersion to facilitate completion of colonoscopy without discomfort in unsedated patients. Infused water is removed predominantly during insertion rather than withdrawal. A higher adenoma detection rate has been reported with water exchange. Aggregate data of randomized controlled trials suggest that water exchange may be superior to water immersion in attenuating colonoscopy discomfort and optimizing adenoma detection, particularly in the proximal colon.
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 111G, 16111 Plummer Street, North Hill, CA 91343, USA. felix.leung@va.gov
Felix W
FW
Leung
D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D014867:Water
D014867:Water
Adenoma detection rate; Colonoscopy; Discomfort; Pain; Water exchange; Water immersion; Water-aided method