Right Colon Retroflexion Gains After Two Forward Examinations

A second examination of the right colon is suggested as a strategy to reduce missed precancerous polyps. Two randomized, controlled trials have found that a second examination of the right colon in the forward view is just as effective as a second examination in retroflexion.

In the current study comprising 1020 patients, gastroenterologists performed two forward examinations of the right colon, each lasting up to 2 minutes, followed by a third exam in retroflexion. All examinations were performed using an instrument with the short cap on the scope.

The success of retroflexion was 82% overall, 90% by experienced (having performed >1000 colonoscopies) gastroenterologists, and 80% by inexperienced gastroenterologists. The adenoma detection rate…