ROLCOL 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does Right rather than Left lateral starting position lead to quicker completion of COLonoscopy?
IRAS ID
143091
Contact name
J Hoare
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College NHS Trust
Research summary
Colonoscopy is a frequently undertaken endoscopic procedure worldwide. The test can aid in the diagnosis of a range of enteric conditions including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. There is therefore a large and increasing demand for the test.
However, colonoscopy requires considerable technical skill from a single operator. It can take a variable time to complete, depending largely on the technical ability of the operator and the anatomy of the colon.
Few studies have assessed optimal positioning of the patient at the start of colonoscopy. De Silva et al. (2011) found that colonoscopy could be completed more rapidly if the procedure begins with the patient in the prone position.
Traditionally, colonoscopy is performed with the patient in the left lateral position, but gravity may collapse the left colon. This results in more acute colonic bends that are more challenging to negotiate. Starting the procedure with the patient in the right lateral position may open bends in the left colon and may make them easier to negotiate with the colonoscope.
Any manoeuvre that allows colonoscopy to be completed more quickly saves not only time but also cost. In addition, the procedure may be more comfortable for the patient, thereby reducing the need for intravenous sedation and increasing the safety of the procedure.
Primarily however, this study aims to show whether positioning patients on their right as opposed to left side leads to quicker completion of colonoscopy.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0246
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion