High-definition colonoscopy detects colorectal polyps at a higher rate than standard white-light colonoscopy

Background & aims: Adenoma detection rates might be improved through use of high-definition colonoscopy, which can detect subtle mucosal changes. We investigated whether the use of high-definition white-light (HDWL) colonoscopy resulted in a higher rate of adenoma detection than standard-definition white-light (SDWL) colonoscopy in a clinical practice setting.

Methods: This retrospective study included 2430 patients who underwent colonoscopies from September 2006 to December 2007; 1226 received SDWL colonoscopy and 1204 received HDWL colonoscopy. We analyzed data from consecutive screening, surveillance, and diagnostic colonoscopies, comparing adenoma and overall polyp detection between procedures. Potentially confounding variables were controlled using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results: The adenoma detection rate was higher among patients who underwent HDWL compared with SDWL colonoscopies (28.8% vs 24.3%; P = .012), as was the polyp detection rate (42.2% vs 37.8%; P = .026). These findings remained after adjustments for potentially confounding variables (P = .018 and .022, respectively).

Conclusions: In a general clinical practice setting, HDWL colonoscopy resulted in a higher adenoma detection rate compared with SDWL colonoscopy. The use of SDWL colonoscopy could reduce the number of missed adenomas and the subsequent risk for colorectal cancer.