A retrospective analysis of cecal barotrauma caused by colonoscope air flow and pressure.

Background: This study addressed the question of whether barotrauma during colonoscopy is sufficient to rupture the colon.

Methods: A total of 3000 colonoscopies were retrospectively analyzed, and the colonoscopes used for these procedures were evaluated in an in vitro analysis. Air pressure at the tip of the colonoscopes and air flow through the instruments were measured.