Metal detector and flexible sigmoidoscopy completion rates
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the use of a hand held metal detector to improve flexible sigmoidoscopy completion rates
IRAS ID
121224
Contact name
Roger J Leicester
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Research summary
Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) is an examination of the first part of the colon using a flexible endoscope (a thin movable camera). FS reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they become cancerous. Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue rather like warts. For colon cancer screening the aim of the test is to examine the whole of the rectum and the sigmoid colon. However, it can be difficult to tell from inside the colon whether the endoscope has been introduced far enough. We want to investigate whether a cheap, easily available hand held metal detector can be used to check whether the tip of the endoscope has reached the top of the sigmoid colon or whether it has formed a loop lower down. We will compare the accuracy of this with a 3D magnetic imaging device. This also allows the position of the endoscope to be checked but is expensive and is not present in all endoscopy departments.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1065
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion