title: Is the type of insufflation a key issue in gastro-intestinal endoscopy?
abstract: Endoscopic procedures continue to play an emerging role in diagnosing and treating upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In particular, the introduction of colonoscopy in bowel cancer screening has underlined its promising role in decreasing the incidence of colorectal cancer and reducing tumour related mortality. To achieve these goals patients need to contemplate endoscopic examinations as painless and fearless procedures. The use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as an alternative insufflation gas in comparison to air has been considered as an essential key to improving patients' acceptance in undergoing endoscopic procedures. CO₂ is absorbed quickly through the bowel mucosa causing less luminal distension and potentially less abdominal pain. However, its exact role has not been defined completely. In particular, the beneficial use of CO₂ in upper GI endoscopy and in sedated patients is still conflicting. In the present review, we aimed to assess the current evidence for using CO₂ in endoscopy and to evaluate its potential role in the future.
authors.affiliation: Amy C Lord, Department of General Surgery, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 9NA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Amy C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.affiliation: Amy C Lord, Department of General Surgery, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 9NA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riss
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007327:Insufflation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide
keywords: Carbon dioxide; Colonoscopy; Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; Gastrointestinal endoscopy; Insufflation gas