The New Scopes – Broadening the Colonoscopy Marketplace

Abstract

Colonoscopy has been established as a screening tool for colorectal cancer and precursors in some countries. Efforts to improve instrument performance as well as patient comfort, safety and compliance have led to modifications of existing endoscopes as well as to the development of new scopes with different working mechanisms, including the colon capsule. While the former have not substantially changed performance, the true value of new scopes – partially single use and/or self propelling – can not be fully assessed, since they are either still under development and/or tested only in animals and in small groups of patients or volunteers. The colon capsule holds promise but has a too complicated preparatory regimen and too low a sensitivity at the moment. Future developments and further studies will show which of these techniques may complement or even replace traditional screening colonoscopy.

Minimizing occupational hazards in endoscopy: personal protective equipment, radiation safety, and ergonomics

“…21 Changes in endoscope design offer theoretical advantages, and new ergonomically favorable endoscopic devices are currently under development. 44 Many of these new technologies would eliminate the need for an endoscopist to maneuver the colonoscope through the colon because it is self-propelled and either selfnavigating or guided by a joystick. [44][45][46][47] However, most are not yet commercially available.…”

Ergonomics and GI endoscopy

“…Changes in colonoscope design, such as the use of a joystick, trackballs, or pushbutton devices, offer theoretical ergonomic advantages. New endoscopic devices are under development, 46 although their ergonomic impact has not been formally studied.…”

Colon Capsule Endoscopy compared to Conventional Colonoscopy under routine screening conditions

“…The negative predictive value of 93% for significant polyps fulfills demands for a screening exam[28], although the meaning is altered by a PPV of 20 to 63%.…”