Impact of pediatric versus adult colonoscope on terminal ileum intubation: a retrospective study

Background Various possible predictors of successful terminal ileal intubation (TII) have been explored but the role of the type of colonoscope is unclear. Methods We carried out a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all colonoscopies performed at a single endoscopy unit between May 2015 and July 2020. The primary outcome measure was successful TII in patients with specific indications for ileal examination. The primary predictor was the type of endoscope, pediatric or adult, used during the procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results In 5845 colonoscopies fulfilling the study criteria, the overall TII rate was 67.8%. In univariate analysis, the use of a pediatric colonoscope was associated with a higher TII rate (72.1% vs. 58.8%, P<0.001). Other variables associated with successful TII based on univariate analysis included the patient’s age, male sex, body mass index, endoscopists’ specialty, place of training, shorter colonoscope insertion time, shorter duration of the procedure, longer withdrawal time, procedures performed in the afternoon, type of sedation administered during colonoscopy, and cleanliness of the colon. Multivariate analysis yielded an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.62) for the use of a pediatric colonoscope. Propensity score-matching analysis also showed superiority of the pediatric colonoscope in achieving TII compared to an adult colonoscope, OR 1.35 (95%CI 1.17-1.57). Conclusions Pediatric colonoscope increases the success of TII during colonoscopy. For endoscopists performing colonoscopy with intent to examine the terminal ileum, it is recommended to choose a pediatric colonoscope to maximize the success rate.