by Colonoscopy Procedure
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a small camera attached to a flexible tube, called a colonoscope, is inserted through the anus to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, doctors are able to directly visualize the inner lining of the colon to detect any abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, or cancer. The colonoscope allows the doctor to not only see inside the colon but also perform biopsies and remove polyps for further examination if needed.
Colonoscopy Devices
The main device used during a colonoscopy is the colonoscope. Modern colonoscopes are long, thin, flexible tubes that utilize fiber optic technology. Colonoscopy Devices At the tip of the colonoscope is a video camera and a light source that allows the physician to see inside the colon. Colonoscopes also come equipped with working channels that allow instruments to be passed through for procedures such as biopsy sampling or polyp removal.
Colonoscopes come in varying sizes depending on their intended use. Adult colonoscopes are typically between 125 cm to 150 cm in length while pediatric colonoscopes intended for use in children may be shorter at 60-100 cm. The diameters of colonoscopes also range from 10 mm to 13.2 mm depending on their flexibility and functional capabilities. Thinner colonoscopes allow for easier insertion and navigation through turns in the colon.
In addition to standard white light imaging, some advanced colonoscopes now incorporate additional technologies:
– Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) – Uses optical filters to enhance vasculature and surface patterns which can help identify precancerous and cancerous lesions more easily.
– Fujinon Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy (FICE) – Processes RGB images into pseudo-colors designed to enhance mucosal detail and vasculature.
– Pentax Intelligent Color Enhancement (PICE) – Applies image processing algorithms to improve color contrast of mucosal and vascular structures.
– Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy – Uses a mini probe at the tip of the colonoscope to perform in vivo microscopy, allowing identification of cells and structures at a microscopic level during the procedure.
Along with the colonoscope, other key components in a colonoscopy system include the light source, camera head, video processor, and documentation system for recording and reporting findings. High-definition technology is now standard for improved imaging quality. Some systems offer 3D and augmented reality visualization capabilities as well.
Colonoscopy Devices Insertion Techniques
Careful insertion is key to a successful comfortable colonoscopy. Colonoscopists use various techniques to smoothly advance the colonoscope through the colon including:
– Straightening – Using gentle clockwise/counter-clockwise motion to navigate bends and turns in the colon.
– Shortening – Looping and deflecting the colonoscope tip in order to reduce loop formation.
– Rotation – Twisting the colonoscope shaft to pass the tip through bends in the colon.
– Gentle abdominal pressure – Applied externally by an assistant to help straighten colonic loops.
– Water/saline irrigation – Inflating the colon with water or saline via the colonoscope port assists with loop reduction.
– Variable stiffness techniques – Changing colonoscope stiffness through adjustment of inner movable rods can aid intubation.
Mastering insertion skills is an important part of training for colonoscopists. Careful non-forcing advancement alleviates patient discomfort and reduces risks of complications such as perforation. Proper techniques allow thorough complete examination of the colon.
Colon Polyp Detection and Removal
The ability to detect and resect colon polyps during screening colonoscopy is a hallmark of preventing colorectal cancer. Standard colonoscopes feature one or two instrument channels that can accommodate biopsy forceps or snares for polypectomy (polyp removal).
For small polyps, cold biopsy forceps are used to grasp and sample the polyp for pathology evaluation. Hot biopsy forceps that can seal and cut blood vessels are an alternative for larger sessile or flat polyps.
Snare polypectomy is the treatment of choice for removing polyps typically 6mm or larger. Several types of snares are available including:
– Standard snares – Wire loop snare that is opened and closed over the polyp for resection.
– Retrieval snares – Similar but with outer sheath to extract resected polyp specimen.
– Hot snares – Electrically-powered wire snare that can coagulate vessels during resection.
– Cold snares – Non-thermal snare using rat-toothed design to “bite and scissor” polyps.
Colonoscopy devices are also being developed to aid in difficult and large polyp resection such as multi-band mucosectomy, full-thickness resection, and underwater endoscopic mucosal resection techniques. The goal is safe complete excision of suspicious lesions to prevent cancer development.
In summary, colonoscopy utilizes specialized flexible endoscopic devices, careful technique, and targeted interventions to directly visualize, biopsy, and treat the entire colon lining. Proper use of colonoscopy technologies is essential for both screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer in patients. Continued innovation seeks to improve visualization, polyp detection rates, and minimally invasive treatment options.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
