NCT01267123

The Value of the Trendelenburg Position During Routine Colonoscopy: A Pilot Study.

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 66 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Colonoscopy is a procedure commonly performed to screen for colon cancer and to look for and remove colon polyps. It involves inserting a flexible tube, equipped with a video-camera at the tip, through the colon. The insertion process can be difficult in some patients, resulting in an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure.We postulate that raising the foot of the bed so that the stretcher forms a 15 degrees angle with the floor ("Trendelenburg position") may make the colonoscopy easier and more comfortable to the patient.

Detailed description

Colonoscopy is a procedure commonly performed to screen for colon cancer and to look for and remove colon polyps. It involves inserting a flexible tube, equipped with a video-camera at the tip, through the colon. The insertion process can be difficult in some patients, resulting in an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure. Colonoscopy procedures are typically started with the patient positioned on their left side. If there is later difficulty advancing the colonoscope, the patient is shifted to other positions (e.g. back, right side, prone). We postulate that raising the foot of the bed so that the stretcher forms a 15 degrees angle with the floor ("Trendelenburg position") may make the colonoscopy easier and more comfortable to the patient. This is a position commonly used in gynecologic surgery. This is a pilot project for us to gain experience with doing colonoscopy this way. The enrolled patient will be assigned randomly to 2 groups: one in the standard left lateral position and one in the 15 degree Trendelenberg position. We will be collecting data regarding the procedure from each group in the form of questionnaire and data sheet which will be filled during or at the conclusion of the procedure.

Conditions

• Colonoscopy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Trendelenburg position	The patient will be placed in the Trendelenburg position with a 15 degree angle of inclination
PROCEDURE	Standard care	The patient will be placed in the standard horizontal position

Timeline

• Start date: 2011-01-01
• Primary completion: 2011-12-01
• Completion: 2012-02-01
• First posted: 2010-12-24
• Last updated: 2016-10-03