WATER-AIDED PEDIATRIC COLONOSCOPY: A PILOT FEASIBILITY AND SAFETY STUDY

Aims:

Water-aided methods for adult colonoscopy have received renewed attention in the literature in recent years. Published studies evaluating water exchange (WE) colonoscopy have shown a reduction in procedural pain and postprocedural discomfort, with a higher completion rate. This pilot study aimed to evaluate feasibility and safety of water-aided methods for adult colonoscopy performed in pediatric patients.

Methods:

From August 2015 to December 2016, 10 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent a total of 11 colonoscopies were enrolled for the study. All adverse events were recorded. All quantitative variables were recorded, including procedure time, cecal insertion time and withdrawal time, the average colonoscope length following cecal insertion, and sedation dosage.

Results:

Comparison between infused and aspirated water was made to evaluate a correct application of WE technique. The WE method improved the mean bowel cleansing. No adverse events were recorded during the procedure, or in the next 24 hours.

Conclusions:

This pilot study showed that a complete WE colonoscopy is feasible in children, appearing to be a useful and safe method. Though no conclusions can be drawn on the basis of this study alone, our results should reasonably prompt future randomized prospective studies.