Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Water vs. Air Method for Performing Colonoscopy in Adult Female Subjects

This is a prospective , single center, investigator initiated, randomized controlled trial to compare two methods of performing colonoscopy by experienced colonoscopist. Potential female subjects presenting for colonoscopy at UCD GI Lab will be presented with the study option and will be enrolled if they sign the informed consent. In recent years, the water infusion method has been reported to have several beneficial effects when studied in veteran patients. These include: significant reduction in discomfort to permit a significantly higher percentage (98% vs. 76%) of veterans to complete scheduled unsedated colonoscopy, lower sedation medication requirement when they accepted the option of minimal pre-medication sedation, more patients completing without sedation (78% vs 54%) when they accepted the on demand sedation and an increase in the yield of adenomas (a type of cancer seen in the colon) in screening and surveillance colonoscopy. Reviewers of the method have repeatedly called for studies using the method in female patients to confirm or refute the findings as most of the veteran patients are male patients.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

80 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

-All female patients between the ages of 18 to 80 years scheduled for colonoscopy at UC Davis GI Lab.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who refuse to be randomized to the air or water colonoscopy method.
* Patients who are unable to respond to study questionnaires.
* Patients with partial colon resection