Method for evaluation of the range of vision of colonoscopy using a constructed colon model

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : We evaluated the usefulness of attachments on the tips of endoscopes for improvement of the range of vision in colonoscopy using a constructed colon model with circular folds built in simulation of haustral folds.
METHOD : We put (1) no attachment, (2) transparent hood (OLYMPUS) , (3) Endocuff (Arc Medical Design Ltd.) on the tip of an endoscope [PCF-Q260AI (OLYMPUS)] and measured the proximal limitation of the range of vision of the endoscope when evaluating the reverse side of the folds using the colon model. Evaluations were repeated ten times each in six directions.
RESULTS : Both types of attachments capacitated a significantly wider range of vision in all directions compared to no attachments (p<0.05) . Although the transparent hood capacitates a wider total range of vision than the Endocuff because it is possible to observe through the transparent hood, the view through the transparent hood is distorted and unclear, and this increase in range of vision may not necessarily lead to an increase in detection rate.
CONCLUSION : Although there are several problems such as the validity of accurate simulation of colonic haustral folds and the validity of clinical application, there is a possibility that this method may be useful for evaluation of the range of vision of colonoscopy.