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Causes of intraprocedural discomfort in colonoscopy: a review and practical tips

Authors :
Jabed F. Ahmed
Ara Darzi
Lakshmana Ayaru
Nisha Patel
Source :
Therapeutic Advances in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Vol 17 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
SAGE Publishing, 2024.

Abstract

Colonoscopy is a commonly performed procedure in the United Kingdom and the gold standard for diagnosis and therapy in the gastrointestinal tract. Increased levels of pain during colonoscopy have been associated with reduced completion rates and difficulties in maintaining attendance for repeat procedures. Multiple factors play a role in causing discomfort intra-procedurally: patient factors, such as gender, anatomy and pre-procedure anxiety; operator factors, such as patient position and level of experience and other factors, such as bowel preparation and total procedure time. A literature search was performed to identify papers that explained how patient, operator and endoscopy factors influenced pain and discomfort in endoscopy. A further search then also identified papers describing solutions to pain and discomfort that have been explored. After review of the literature, key methods are selected and discussed in this paper. Solutions and aids that can resolve and improve pain and discomfort include endoscopic methods such as variable stiffness and ultrathin scopes. Operator improvements in techniques and ergonomics alongside the use of newer technologies such as propelled endoscopy, computer-assisted endoscopy and task distraction. To improve patient experience and outcomes, the investigation and research into improving techniques to reduce pain is crucial. This review aims to identify the modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with intra-procedural discomfort during colonoscopy. We discuss established methods of improving pain during colonoscopy, in addition to newer technologies to mitigate associated discomfort.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26317745
Volume :
17
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Therapeutic Advances in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.297b087f346a4836afde93d6132f1317
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/26317745241282576