Nathan Gluck, MD, PhD, from the Tel Aviv Medical Center, Research Center for Digestive Disorders and Liver Diseases, in Tel Aviv, Israel discusses this Open Access Original Article “A novel self-propelled disposable colonoscope is effective for colonoscopy in humans (with video).”

The focus of this study was to test the cecal intubation rate, safety, and ease of use of a novel self-propelled disposable colonoscope with a true 360-degree camera image.

Colorectal cancer screening using conventional colonoscopy is an effective method for preventing colorectal cancer (CRC). However, since its inception, colonoscopy has improved in small steps while keeping the same operational paradigm in place. Some problems do exist in conventional colonoscopy; it is complex and hard to master, it is not a single use medical instrument therefore leading to costly cleaning and possible infections, and it has a small but real risk of tearing the colon. Additionally, conventional colonoscopy can miss small lesions/polyps, and we know that instruments using additional cameras can improve polyp detection rates.

Features of the self-propelled disposable colonoscope system. A, External workstation with full joystick control. B, Fully disposable scanner unit comprising a soft, flexible light-weight cable (multilumen) attached to a system of pliable polyurethane balloons. C, Scanner tip with openings for irrigation, suction, and insufflation as well as the optical head with a camera and light sources.

A new paradigm using a self propelled single use colonoscope with omni-directional view of the colon that is easy to master and has a low risk profile may provide an improved way for performing screening colonoscopy.

The cecal intubation rate with the self-propelled disposable colonoscope was 100%, and the 2 study operators needed only 10 or fewer procedures to become proficient in doing the exams. Operators were very comfortable with their control of the system operation using the joystick and got used to the new omni visualization easily.

Next steps will likely include a larger study with more operators in order to confirm current data on the learning curve, to compare visualization to a conventional colonoscope (prove better visualization behind folds using the omni-directional view), and to continue to collect safety and intubation efficacy data.

Download and read the full PDF of this Open Access article here.

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