Prospective and randomized study to evaluate the clinical impact of cap assisted colonoscopy (CAC).

Background: Although colonoscopy is the standard procedure in the diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia, a significant number of clinical relevant lesions may be missed even by experienced endoscopists using current technology. A transparent cap mounted at the tip of a colonoscope may be an easy way to extend the visual field during colonoscopy and may improve the detection rate of mucosal lesions. Material and Methods: The significance of cap assisted (CAC) vs. conventional colonoscopy (CC) on polyp detection rate was evaluated in a prospective randomized controlled trial in 504 patients. Results: CC and CAC detected polyps in 39.3 % and 31.8, not significantly different. There was also no significant difference between CAC and CC according to age, sex, indication for colonoscopy, diverticulosis, sedation, bowel cleansing, withdrawal time, time/number of attempts to intubate the cecal walve, number, localization, size or histology of polyps,. However, the time to reach the cecal floor and the overall time of colonoscopy were significantly lower for CAC (1 minute). Conclusion: CAC was without clinical impact on polyp detection rate or performance of colonoscopy.