The usefulness of a magnetic endoscope locating device in colonoscopy in daily practice: a prospective case-controlled study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of magnetic endoscope imaging (MEI) regarding examination time, caecal intubation rate, and sedation and analgesic requirements during routine colonoscopy compared with earlier used X-ray imaging. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients undergoing colonoscopy were prospectively studied for two periods. In the first period X-ray was used to establish the correct position of the endoscope. In the second period MEI was used. Outcome measures were examination time, caecal intubation rate, median dose of analgesic and sedative administered, and median X-ray dose used. RESULTS: The two groups studied were comparable with regards to age, sex, and number of therapeutic examinations. The examination time was significantly shorter with use of MEI (median 29 min versus 43 min). No significant differences in the use of analgesic and sedative were found (median 50 microg phentanyle and 2 mg midazolam in both groups). Median X-ray dose was 150 cGy in the group using X-ray imaging. CONCLUSION: MEI is the imaging methodology of choice and should always be available in colonoscopy, especially for precise locating of colonic lesions.