The study involved videotaping without their knowledge seven experienced endoscopists during 8 to 10 colonoscopies. The same endoscopists were then videotaped with their knowledge during 8 to 10 more colonoscopies. Those colonoscopies were graded based on various parameters, such as quality of the examination and length of time taken.

The average inspection time for colonoscopies performed while physicians knew they were being videotaped was longer (7.3 minutes) than when endoscopists were not aware they were being taped (4.9 minutes). Overall quality scores were also higher in the videotaped-aware group, with 3.8 vs. 2.9 on a 5-point scale. Significant improvements were also noticed in examinations of folds, distension and clean up when doctors knew they were being taped.

While videotaping colonoscopy procedures is not standard, given the study outcomes, “perhaps systematic video recording of colonoscopies will be considered” in the future, Dr. Rex says.

SOURCE: Fleet Attorney › Videotaping colonoscopies results in better physician performance

Doctors have been working to improve the technology used during the screening, and according to reports at the annual meeting, their efforts have paid off. One improvement is a disposable device that is passed through the instrument channel of a standard colonoscope, called a Third Eye Retroscope, or TER. The scopes let doctors get a better view of the areas they may otherwise miss with standard screening equipment.

Studies on the use of TER have found the new technique gave doctors 13 percent improved diagnostic yield. In the study of 300 patients, researchers concluded that 15 of 136 precancerous growths and 34 of 257 polyps would have been missed had it not been for the TER.

Another plus is high-definition technology in colonoscopies are giving doctors an even better view of the colon than traditional “white light” colonoscopies. One study included 2,400 patients, half of whom underwent standard exams while the other half had high-definition exams. Thirty percent of precancerous lesions were found in the high-def group compared to 24 in the standard-def group. High-definition is not available at all facilities but should become more widely available as facilities upgrade to newer machines.

SOURCE: Fleet Attorney › Advances in technology improve accuracy of colonoscopies