Can a Retrograde-Viewing Device Improve Adenoma Detection?

In previous uncontrolled studies, use of the Third Eye Retroscope (TER) during colonoscopy produced an 11% to 13% gain in adenoma detection compared with standard colonoscopy (SC).

Now, in a manufacturer-sponsored, randomized, controlled trial, international investigators assessed the effectiveness of TER in 349 per-protocol patients (mean age, 58; 64% men) who underwent colonoscopy for screening (51%), surveillance (27%), or diagnostic work-up (22%). Patients were randomized to undergo tandem examinations either with SC immediately followed by TER or with TER immediately followed by SC.

In 173 patients who underwent SC followed by TER, SC identified 160 polyps and 107 adenomas, and TER identified an additional 78 polyps and 49 adenomas. In 1…