Robotic Colonoscopy Endotics with Colon Wash: Two Performing Technologies in a Winning Combination

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is the standard method for CCR prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, but it is painful and highly dependent on quality of bowel preparation. This study describes the experience of the first 150 colonoscopies performed using the Endotics System at S. Giuseppe Hospital in Milan (Italy), demonstrating the effectiveness, diagnostic quality, and lack of pain even without sedation. Moreover, at the patient's request, robotic system was combined with Colon Wash technology, able to prepare the bowel in a comfortable and effective way without use of purgatives. METHODS: The study is observational, retrospective, comparative, on a group of 150 patients, enrolled consecutively over a year. Quality of the intestinal preparation is evaluated and then reported based on BBPS for both patients who underwent Colon Wash and those who opted for the traditional preparation. In addition, the total percentage of cecal intubation and the average time needed to achieve it, in patients who have also undergone Colon Wash, are reported. RESULTS: 87 out of the 150 patients enrolled, (58%) chose intestinal preparation with Colon Wash technology. In this group, optimal preparation was obtained in 71.3% of cases. The percentage of optimal preparation among patients who chose the traditional method decreased 66.7%. Failure rates of procedure due to poor bowel preparation were 4.6% and 3.2% respectively. Cecum was achieved in 99.2% of cases with an average time of 22.5 minutes. In addition, in patients with a previous failed conventional colonoscopy, cecum was achieved in 92.3% of cases. 58 patients out of the 150 were eligible for the ADR calculation according to the ASGE guidelines, resulting in an overall ADR of 39.7% (ADR M of 60% and ADR F of 24.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Endotics system confirms its ability to perform painless procedures as effectively as conventional colonoscopy (and Journal Home: https://scienceworldpublishing.org/journals/world-journal-of-gastroenterology-hepatology-and-endoscopy/WJGHE World J Gastroenterol Hepatol Endosc Volume: 3.4 2/9 more effectively in difficult cases). Colon Wash technology allows intestinal preparation comparable to the standard one. The combination of these two technologies can increase acceptance of colonoscopy procedure and adherence to CCR screening programs.