Abdominal ultrasound after colonoscopy with insufflation of carbon dioxide versus air.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the use of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) compared with air insufflation during colonoscopy improves ultrasonography after the procedure.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In a double-blind trial, 30 patients were randomized to insufflation with CO(2) or air. Thirty minutes after colonoscopy abdominal ultrasound was performed. Immediately after ultrasonography, the ultrasound quality of the liver, gallbladder, biliary ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, abdominal vessels, antrum, bowel, urinary bladder and prostate/uterus was evaluated for optimal ultrasound scanning quality, minor reduction of scanning conditions, major reduction of scanning conditions and unacceptable scanning conditions.

RESULTS

Ultrasound quality 30 min after colonoscopy was significantly better when using CO(2) insufflation instead of air (p<0.003). Significant improvement in imaging quality was observed for the liver, portal vein, splenic vein, all three divisions of the pancreas, aorta, coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, iliac vessels, left kidney and uterus.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound investigation can be done after a colonoscopy with CO(2) insufflation, whereas it is not recommended after a colonoscopy with air insufflation. In selected cases, this approach may enable and improve post-colonoscopy ultrasound scanning.