The True Benefit of Cap-Fitted Colonoscopy?

The effect of fitting caps or hoods to the ends of colonoscopes has been evaluated in eight previous randomized trials, all performed outside the U.S. Although these studies’ findings have not shown that cap-fitted colonoscopes improve adenoma detection rates, they have shown that cecal intubation rates and intubation times using the cap are equal to, or, in some cases, better than those of standard colonoscopy (Am J Gastroenterol 2007; 102:75).

In the current study from Hong Kong, 1000 patients (mean age, 53) were randomized to cap-fitted or standard colonoscopy. If the cecum was not reached during the colonoscopy (defined as a failed procedure), the same endoscopist immediately reattempted the procedure using the alternate method (i.e., fa…