Comparison of procedural sequences in same-day bidirectional endoscopy without benzodiazepine and propofol sedation: starting at the bottom or the top.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Same-day bidirectional endoscopy including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy is routinely performed to evaluate anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as to conduct cancer surveillance. Numerous questions have been raised regarding the most appropriate procedural sequence and the resulting potential procedure interactions. We compared the quality and feasibility of performing EGD and colonoscopy without sedation in patients subjected to EGD-colonoscopy (Group I) or colonoscopy-EGD (Group II) sequences.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A total of 80 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups (40:40). All EGD examinations were recorded on videotape, and the quality of 18 EGD steps was assessed by three endoscopists. In addition, we analyzed the colonoscopic parameters and subjective discomfort scores of patients.

RESULTS

Group I displayed significantly superior quality for retroflexion-related steps (P11-13; all median of Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P < 0.01), visualization of the angular fold (P10; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.048), and general assessment of the stomach (P17; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.008) and upper GI tract (P15; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.047). Colonoscopic insertion time, total time, and prolonged insertion ratio did not differ between the two groups. Questionnaire responses indicated that EGD was perceived to be more stressful in Group II sequence.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of EGD steps is influenced by the sequence of bidirectional endoscopy. EGD is perceived to be more stressful to patients when preceded by colonoscopy. Therefore, EGD followed by colonoscopy may be the preferable procedural sequence for same-day bidirectional endoscopy.