Transparent-cap-fitted colonoscopy shows higher performance with cecal intubation time in difficult cases.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of cap-fitted colonoscopy (CFC) with regard to cecal intubation time.

Methods: Two hundred and ninety-five patients undergoing screening colonoscopy at Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial between January and December 2010. Colonoscopies were conducted by a single endoscopist. Patient characteristics including age, sex, body mass index, history of abdominal surgery, quality of preparation, and the presence of diverticulosis were recorded.

Results: One hundred and fifty patients were allocated into a CFC group and 145 into a non-CFC (NCF) group. Cecal intubations were achieved in all patients. Cecal intubation time in the CFC group was significantly shorter than in the NCF group for specific conditions: age ≥ 60 years, prior abdominal surgery, and poor bowel preparation. The number of detected adenomas was higher in the CFC group than in the NCF group (P = 0.040).

Conclusion: CFC facilitated shortening of the cecal intubation time in difficult cases, and was more sensitive for detecting adenomas than was NCF.