Diseases of the colon and rectum
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Randomized, controlled trial of carbon dioxide insufflation during colonoscopy.
Insufflation of air is a cause of discomfort during and after colonoscopy. Although this can be minimized by good technique, the use of carbon dioxide insufflation may provide further benefits. Carbon dioxide is rapidly absorbed and excreted through the lungs. We hypothesized that carbon dioxide would alleviate post-colonoscopy discomfort. ⋯ Because there was significantly less abdominal pain ten minutes after colonoscopy in the group in whom carbon dioxide was used, carbon dioxide should be considered as an insufflating gas for colonoscopy.