1990 Volume 32 Issue 6 Pages 1461-1468_1
We developed a new insertion technique of the colonoscopy. By this method water is poured via a channel instead of air until the colonoscope reaches the cecum. This method was designated as the submarine method because it is similar to a submarine under water. The cases were divided into two groups: group A ; 432 cases before use of the subma-rine method and group B ; 432 cases after use of the submarine method. In comparison between group A and group B, two merits and two demerits of the submarine method were recognized. The one merit is that the submarine method makes the colonoscope insertion through the sigmoid-decending junction (SD) much easier. The other merit is that the pain of patients is very little. These merits come from the fact that there is no overinflation of the colon by the submarine method. On the other hand, the one demerit of the submarine method is that the colonic lumen can not be observed during the insertion of the colonoscope to the cecum. Therefore, the observation can be done only when the colonoscope is withdrawn. The other demerit is that it takes more time to reach the cecum by using the submarine method. These demeritis come from the fact that the colonoscope is inserted while pouring water into the colon using the submarine method. Despite these demerits, the submarine method has two big merits : smooth insertion through SD and little pain for the patients. Using the submarine method the colonoscope can be inserted step by step, namely, haustra by haustra. It is considered that the submarine method can become a new insertion technique of the colonoscopy.
