High definition colonoscopy combined with i-Scan is superior in the detection of colorectal neoplasias compared with standard video colonoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Colonoscopy is the accepted gold standard for the detection of colorectal cancer. The aim of the current study was to prospectively compare high definition plus (HD+) colonoscopy with I-Scan functionality (electronic staining) vs. standard video colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was the detection of patients having colon cancer or at least one adenoma.

Methods: A total of 220 patients due to undergo screening colonoscopy, postpolypectomy surveillance or with a positive occult blood test were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to undergo HD+ colonoscopy in conjunction with I-Scan surface enhancement (90i series, Pentax, Tokyo, Japan) or standard video colonoscopy (EC-3870FZK, Pentax). Detected colorectal lesions were judged according to type, location, and size. Lesions were characterized in the HD+ group by using further I-Scan functionality (p- and v-modes) to analyze pattern and vessel architecture. Histology was predicted and biopsies or resections were performed on all identified lesions.

Results: HD+ colonoscopy with I-Scan functionality detected significantly more patients with colorectal neoplasia (38 %) compared with standard resolution endoscopy (13 %) (200 patients finally analyzed; 100 per arm). Significantly more neoplastic (adenomatous and cancerous) lesions and more flat adenomas could be detected using high definition endoscopy with surface enhancement. Final histology could be predicted with high accuracy (98.6 %) within the HD+ group.

Conclusions: HD+ colonoscopy with I-Scan is superior to standard video colonoscopy in detecting patients with colorectal neoplasia based on this prospective, randomized, controlled trial.