Assessing the additional benefit of an innovative imaging system for colonoscopy

Background and study aims
A colonoscopy is an important procedure in which a narrow, flexible, telescopic camera is inserted into the back passage to look at the lining of the large bowel. Although it can be an uncomfortable procedure, it is the most effective way to diagnose colorectal cancer (bowel cancer). Although colonoscopies are very effective at finding tumours (neoplasms), it is reported that they do not always spot polyps. A polyp is a very small growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Although most colorectal polyps do not become cancerous, almost all cases of colorectal cancer begin as polyps. It is therefore very important to detect polyps, as their presence increases the risk of colorectal cancer. A possible reason that polyps are sometimes missed in colonoscopies may be because of inadequate equipment. A full spectrum endoscope (FUSE) is a device that has been developed to help lower the miss rate of polyps in routine colonoscopies. The device uses three cameras to give a panoramic view of the colon, allowing for a more complete picture of the colon. The aim of this study is to find out how well this new technology performs in comparison to the standard device used.
Who can participate?
Adults between 50 and 69 years of age, having their first colonoscopy after testing positively for blood in their stool in a mass screening programme.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated in one of two groups. For participants in the first group, the colonoscopy procedure is completed using a standard forward-viewing colonoscopy. For participants in the second group, the procedure is completed using full spectrum endoscopy (FUSE). After the procedures, the accuracy of the two devices is compared. Participants also are asked to complete a questionnaire after the procedure about their experiences.