Clear Liquids versus Polyethylene Glycol Preparation for Video Capsule Endoscopy of the Small Bowel: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: An effective bowel cleanse can improve the imaging quality of video capsule endoscopy (VCE). We aimed to further investigate the optimal small bowel cleanse method by comparing the efficacy of 4 L of clear liquids, 2 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and 4 L of PEG on the image quality of VCE. METHODS: A randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial was performed comparing 4 L of clear liquids (Group A), 2 L of PEG (Group B), and 4 L of PEG (Group C). The primary endpoint was image quality between the groups. The secondary endpoints included patient tolerability and side effects. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were analyzed in group A, 84 patients were analyzed in group B, and 80 patients were analyzed in group C. Image quality scores revealed 4 L of clear liquids to be non-inferior to 2 L of PEG, and 2 L of PEG to be non-inferior to 4 L of PEG (p < 0.0167). Group A had a lower difficulty of completion rate than Group B and Group C and a lower rate of side effects when compared to Group C (p < 0.0167). CONCLUSION: Four liters of clear liquids should be considered a routine method for small bowel preparation prior to VCE.

Impact of water exchange colonoscopy on serum sodium and potassium levels: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Concerns over the hypothetical adverse effects of water absorption and the disturbance of serum sodium and potassium levels prompted a quality assurance evaluation of water exchange (WE) colonoscopy. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the balance of water infused and suctioned in WE colonoscopy, and to quantify the acute impact on serum levels of sodium and potassium. METHODS: Prospectively collected quality monitoring data of patients undergoing screening and surveillance colonoscopy at the Sacramento Veterans Affairs Medical Center were analyzed. Measurements were made of volume infused and suctioned during, and blood samples drawn 10 min before the start of and 10 min after completion of WE colonoscopy. Outcome measures included volume of water infused and suctioned, and serum levels of sodium and potassium. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients (134M:6F), mean age of 59, underwent WE colonoscopy. Mean total volume of water infused was 1,839 mL. A negative balance of an average of 22 mL was documented. The mean (standard deviation) values (in meq/L) of serum levels of sodium 139.33 (2.27) and 139.28 (2.32), and potassium 3.86 (0.36) and 3.91 (0.39), before and after colonoscopy, respectively, showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: The WE method allowed most of the water infused during colonoscopy to be recovered by suction at the completion of colonoscopy. Serum sodium and potassium levels did not change significantly within 10 min after completion. The WE method appears to be safe with minimal water retention and is devoid of acute fluctuations in serum levels of sodium and potassium.

Water-aided colonoscopy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Water-aided methods for colonoscopy are distinguished by the timing of removal of infused water, predominantly during withdrawal (water immersion) or during insertion (water exchange). OBJECTIVE: To discuss the impact of these approaches on colonoscopy pain and adenoma detection rate (ADR). DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING: Randomized, controlled trial (RCT) that compared water-aided methods and air insufflation during colonoscope insertion. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing colonoscopy. INTERVENTION: Medline, PubMed, and Google searches (January 2008-December 2011) and personal communications of manuscripts in press were considered to identify appropriate RCTs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Pain during colonoscopy and ADR. RCTs were grouped according to whether water immersion or water exchange was used. Reported pain scores and ADR were tabulated based on group assignment. RESULTS: Pain during colonoscopy is significantly reduced by both water immersion and water exchange compared with traditional air insufflation. The reduction in pain scores was qualitatively greater with water exchange as compared with water immersion. A mixed pattern of increases and decreases in ADR was observed with water immersion. A higher ADR, especially proximal to the splenic flexure, was obtained when water exchange was implemented. LIMITATIONS: Differences in the reports limit application of meta-analysis. The inability to blind the colonoscopists exposed the observations to uncertain bias. CONCLUSION: Compared with air insufflation, both water immersion and water exchange significantly reduce colonoscopy pain. Water exchange may be superior to water immersion in minimizing colonoscopy discomfort and in increasing ADR. A head-to-head comparison of these 3 approaches is required.

First Case of Small Bowel Sarcomatoid Carcinoma Found by Video Capsule Endoscopy.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small bowel is extremely rare. We report the first case of sarcomatoid carcinoma identified by video capsule endoscopy in a patient referred for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Computed tomography and small bowel follow through failed to identify the tumor. The tumor was visualized initially on video capsule endoscopy examination and a 6 x 3 cm polypoid, fungating mass with irregular borders was retrieved on surgical resection. Microscopic examination showed sheets of pleomorphic spindled to epitheliod cells staining positive for cytokeritin and vimentin, indicative of sarcomatoid carcinoma. Forty-one months after surgical resection the patient continued to be free of metastatic disease.

Interim report of a randomized cross-over study comparing clinical performance of novice trainee endoscopists using conventional air insufflation versus warm water infusion colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The applicability of water method colonoscopy in trainee education is not known. AIM: To compare the water method vs. usual air method in teaching novice trainee colonoscopy. METHOD: An IRB approved prospective randomized cross-over study (NCT01482546) in a university setting with diverse patient population. DESIGN: Three first year GI fellows consented to participate in the study. Trainees were randomized to learn with either usual air method or the water method in performing colonoscopy with a dedicated endoscopy attending during their weekly outpatient endoscopy clinics for the initial six months of training and then cross-over to the other method for the remaining six months. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing screening, surveillance or diagnostic colonoscopy. RESULTS: The interim data revealed no significant difference in age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Trainees rated the water method colonoscopy as significantly easier to learn compared to the air method (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The interim data demonstrate positive effects of using the water method in training novice endoscopists who reported a significant ease of learning colonoscopy using this method. Training programs could consider joining us in evaluating the use of warm water infusion in colonoscopy education.

Improved diagnostic yield with severity of bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is an important tool for non-invasive imaging of the small bowel. Whether there is a dose-related effect of anemia severity on the diagnostic yield of VCE is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of anemia severity on VCE outcome measures. METHODS: VCE studies from the Sacramento Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 300 consecutive patients were retrospectively screened. Those with anemia were selected. Patients were grouped as mildly, moderately or severely bleeding. Outcomes data including completion of study, diagnostic yield and further intervention were compared. RESULTS: Of the 300 patients, 210 (70%) were found to have anemia. Overall 32 (15.24%) patients were mildly, 145 (69.05%) were moderately and 33 (15.71%) were severely bleeding. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher in severe (72.73%) relative to moderate (32.41%) and mild bleeding (12.50%); P = 0.0001. Significantly more angioectasias were detected in severely bleeding patients (42.42%) than in those bleeding moderately (14.48%) and mildly (0.00%), P = 0.0001. The ability of VCE to guide further intervention was significantly higher in patients bleeding severely (69.70%, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed a significant increase in diagnostic yield with the increasing degree of anemia. Relative difference in hemoglobin rather than absolute values may be a better predictor. The ability of VCE to guide further intervention reached significance in severely bleeding patients. The hypothesis that use of VCE prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy in the severely bleeding group deserves to be evaluated.

The water method significantly enhances detection of diminutive lesions (adenoma and hyperplastic polyp combined) in the proximal colon in screening colonoscopy - data derived from two RCT in US veterans.

PURPOSE: Emerging data indicate a colonoscopist-controlled method is needed to avoid missing proximal colon pre-malignant lesions. Screening colonoscopy does not prevent all proximal colon cancers. Even diminutive lesions in the proximal colon harbor dysplasia. In addition to adenomas (presumptive cancer precursors), recent proposals to reevaluate proximal colon hyperplastic polyps as serrated polyps which could be pre-malignant or harbingers of interval neoplasia dramatize the importance of attending to these lesions. The finding that the water method increased yield of proximal diminutive adenomas prompted assessment of the hypothesis that the water method increases yield of all proximal diminutive lesions (adenoma and hyperplastic polyp) in screening cases. METHODS: Two RCT assessed the water method with primary outcome of completion of unsedated colonoscopy when the option of scheduled, unsedated or sedation on demand was used. Diminutive (<10 mm) lesions proximal to the splenic flexure were tracked. RESULTS: In screening cases, 31% and 6% of the water and air group had at least one proximal diminutive lesion (p=0.0012). Regression analysis revealed withdrawal time, method and volume of water used were significant predictors of proximal diminutive lesions. Effect of the water method on detection of proximal diminutive lesions was independent of age, body mass index, endoscopist, sedation, cecal intubation rate, bowel cleanliness score on withdrawal and total procedure time. LIMITATION: Male subject predominance, analysis of secondary outcomes of pooled RCT data. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis that the water method effectively enhances proximal diminutive lesion detection in screening colonoscopy in diverse clinical settings should be tested.

The water method combined with chromoendoscopy enhances adenoma detection.

BACKGROUND: The water method is easy-to-learn and improves colonoscopy outcomes. Dye-spray chromoendoscopy enhances ADR but has not been widely accepted for routine application in screening or surveillance colonoscopy. HYPOTHESIS: With dye added to the water used in the water method, ADR can be enhanced compared with the water or air method alone. OBJECTIVE: To compare ADR determined by the air method, water method alone, and water method with indigo carmine (0.008%) added. DESIGN: Review of prospectively collected data in a performance improvement program. SETTING: VA endoscopy unit. PATIENT: Screening or surveillance colonoscopy. METHODS: Patients (n=50/group) underwent colonoscopy with each of the three methods. Water method involved warm water infusion in lieu of air insufflation coupled with removal of residual air by suction and residual feces by water exchange. ADR and procedural data were collected prospectively to monitor performance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: ADR. RESULTS: ADR in the air method, water method alone and water method with indigo carmine were 36%, 40% and 62%, respectively. Water method with indigo carmine produced significantly higher ADR than the air or water method alone (p<0.05). LIMITATIONS: Non-randomized data, single VA site, retrospective comparison. Absence of significant difference between air and water methods could be a type II error due to small number of patients CONCLUSIONS: The approach with indigo carmine added to the water used in the water method yielded significantly higher ADR than the water or the air method alone. The data suggest that a prospective RCT to compare the different methods is warranted.

DDW 2011 cutting edge colonoscopy techniques - state of the art lecture master class - warm water infusion/CO(2) insufflation for colonoscopy.

Pain limits the success of cecal intubation in unsedated patient. Carbon dioxide infusion instead of air insufflation and water infusion as an adjunction to air insufflation have both been investigated as modalities to minimize pain associated with colonoscopy. Multiple RCT support an effect of carbon dioxide in reducing pain after colonoscopy. A modern method of water infusion as the sole modality for aiding colonoscope insertion has been shown to reduce pain during and after colonoscopy. Favorable effects in reducing discomfort have been documented in both sedated and unsedated patients. Because of the need to perform water exchange in the patients with suboptimal bowel perparation, a serendipitous consequence of salvage cleansing is evident with application of the water method. The associated increase in adenoma detection especially in the proximal colon is most intriguing. The hypothesis that the water method during insertion combined with carbon dioxide insufflation during withdrawal will optimally decrease colonoscopy pain should be evaluated. The implications of increased adenoma detection by the water method also deserve to be studied.

Retrospective analysis showing the water method increased adenoma detection rate - a hypothesis generating observation.

BACKGROUND: A water method developed to attenuate discomfort during colonoscopy enhanced cecal intubation in unsedated patients. Serendipitously a numerically increased adenoma detection rate (ADR) was noted. OBJECTIVE: To explore databases of sedated patients examined by the air and water methods to identify hypothesis-generating findings. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: VA endoscopy center. PATIENTS: creening colonoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: From 1/2000-6/2006 the air method was used - judicious air insufflation to permit visualization of the lumen to aid colonoscope insertion and water spray for washing mucosal surfaces. From 6/2006-11/2009 the water method was adopted - warm water infusion in lieu of air insufflation and suction removal of residual air to aid colonoscope insertion. During colonoscope withdrawal adequate air was insufflated to distend the colonic lumen for inspection, biopsy and polypectomy in a similar fashion in both periods. Main outcome measurements: ADR. RESULTS: The air (n=683) vs. water (n=495) method comparisons revealed significant differences in overall ADR 26.8% (183 of 683) vs. 34.9% (173 of 495) and ADR of adenomas >9 mm, 7.2% vs. 13.7%, respectively (both P<0.05, Fisher's exact test). LIMITATIONS: Non-randomized data susceptible to bias by unmeasured parameters unrelated to the methods. CONCLUSION: Confirmation of the serendipitous observation of an impact of the water method on ADR provides impetus to call for randomized controlled trials to test hypotheses related to the water method as an approach to improving adenoma detection. Because of recent concerns over missed lesions during colonoscopy, the provocative hypothesis-generating observations warrant presentation.

The water method significantly enhances proximal diminutive adenoma detection rate in unsedated patients.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy has been reported to fail to prevent some post screening colonoscopy incident cancers or minimize cancer mortality in the proximal colon. These reports question the effectiveness of colonoscopy in detecting all proximal adenomas. Diminutive ones which can be obscured by residual feces are particularly at risk. The water method provides salvage cleansing of sub-optimal preparations. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the water method enhances proximal diminutive adenoma detection rate (ADR). DESIGN: The data bases of two parallel RCT were combined and analyzed. SETTING: Two Veterans Affairs endoscopy units. PATIENT AND METHODS: The water and air methods were compared in these two parallel RCT examining unsedated patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The combined data on diminutive and overall ADR in the proximal colon, overall ADR, cecal intubation rate, withdrawal time and global bowel cleanliness score. RESULTS: Data in the water (n=92) and the air (n=90) groups were assessed. The water method yielded a significantly higher proximal diminutive ADR, 28.3% vs. 14.4% (p=0.0298); cecal intubation rate, 99% vs. 90% (p=0.0091); mean withdrawal time 19 (10) vs. 15 (8) min (p=0.0065) and mean global bowel cleanliness score during withdrawal, 2.6 (0.7) vs. 2.3 (0.6) (p=0.0032). Increase in proximal overall ADR in the water group approached significance, 29.3% vs. 16.7% (p=0.0592). LIMITATION: Small number of predominantly male veterans. CONCLUSION: The significantly higher cecal intubation rate, longer mean withdrawal time and better mean global bowel cleanliness score favor the outcome of significantly enhanced proximal diminutive ADR in the water group.

Options of sedation or no sedation for colonoscopy - the perspective of the GI nurses and technicians.

OBJECTIVE: Nurses (patient-advocates) and technicians (member of colonoscopy team) collected data on patient discomfort and evaluated various options of sedation or no sedation associated with the air and water methods for performing colonoscopy. METHOD: Veterans participated in studies comparing air and water method colonoscopy. Options using minimal or on demand sedation were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the air method, the water method was associated with significantly lower pain scores, higher patient satisfaction ratings and shorter recovery times. On demand sedation was comparable to routine sedation when the water method was used. Patients prefer to be in control of when their medications would be administered during colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: Evaluations by nurses (patient advocates) and technicians (member of colonoscopy team) with experience in assisting patients undergoing colonoscopy using the various options indicate the following. In settings without access to sedation, the water method is ideal for unsedated colonoscopy or extended flexible sigmoidoscopy for screening. Otherwise, the water method and on demand sedation is the most credible combination of options for patient care.

Molecular characterization of stool microbiota in HIV-infected subjects by panbacterial and order-level 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) quantification and correlations with immune activation.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between gut microbial community composition at the higher-taxonomic order level and local and systemic immunologic abnormalities in HIV disease may provide insight into how bacterial translocation impacts HIV disease. METHODS: Antiretroviral-naive patients with HIV underwent upper endoscopy before and 9 months after starting antiretroviral treatment. Duodenal tissue was paraffin-embedded for immunohistochemical analysis and digested for fluorescence activated cell sorting for T-cell subsets and immune activation (CD38+/HLA-DR+) enumeration. Stool samples were provided from patients and control subjects for comparison. Metagenomic microbial DNA was extracted from feces for optimized 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays designed to quantify panbacterial loads and the relative abundances of proinflammatory Enterobacteriales order and the dominant Bacteroidales and Clostridiales orders. RESULTS: Samples from 10 HIV subjects before initiating and from six subjects receiving antiretroviral treatment were available for analysis. There was a trend for a greater proportion of Enterobacteriales in HIV-positive subjects compared with control subjects (P = 0.099). There were significant negative correlations between total bacterial load and duodenal CD4 and CD8 T-cell activation levels (r = -0.74, P = 0.004 and r = -0.67, P = 0.013, respectively). The proportions of Enterobacteriales and Bacteroidales were significantly correlated with duodenal CD4 T-cell depletion and peripheral CD8 T-cell activation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data represent the first report of quantitative molecular and cellular correlations between total/universal and order-level gut bacterial populations and gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue levels of immune activation in HIV-infected subjects. The correlations between lower overall 16S rDNA levels and tissue immune activation suggest that the gut microbiome may contribute to immune activation and influence HIV progression.

Incomplete capsule endoscopy examinations after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Video capsule endoscopy is an important tool for minimally invasive evaluation of the small bowel. Optimization of this imaging modality has focused on minimizing the rate of incomplete studies through appropriate patient selection. Recent data have shown an increased incidence of incomplete examinations in those with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. METHODS: We present 4 consecutive cases of post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients undergoing video capsule endoscopy. RESULTS: Three patients were referred for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and one for diagnosis of Crohn's disease; all 4 patients had incomplete studies. One patient experienced capsule retention in the gastric pouch. Two patients had repeated poor small bowel preparation despite compliance with preparatory methods. The fourth patient experienced delayed gastrointestinal transit despite satisfactory small bowel preparation. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of Roux-en-Y surgery appear to be at increased risk for incomplete examination due to capsule retention and delayed gastric transit. Endoscopists may consider additional precursory testing or the use of alternative imaging methods in this population.

The water method is effective in difficult colonoscopy - it enhances cecal intubation in unsedated patients with a history of abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy in unsedated patients in the US is considered to be difficult. Success rate of cecal intubation is limited by discomfort. Colonoscopy in patients with a history of abdominal surgery is also considered to be difficult due to adhesion-related bowel angulations. The water method has been shown to significantly reduce pain during colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the water method enhances the completion of colonoscopy in unsedated patients with a history of abdominal surgery. DESIGN: The data bases of two parallel RCT were combined and analyzed. SETTING: Two Veterans Affairs endoscopy units. PATIENT AND METHODS: The water and air methods were compared in these two parallel RCT examining unsedated patients. Those with a history of abdominal surgery were selected for evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Completion of unsedated colonoscopy. RESULTS: Among patients with a history of abdominal surgery, the proportion completing unsedated colonoscopy in the water group (19 of 22) was significantly higher than that (11 of 22) in the air group (p=0.0217, Fisher's exact test). LIMITATIONS: Small number of predominantly male veterans, unblinded colonoscopists, not all types of abdominal surgery (e.g. hysterectomy, gastrectomy) predisposing to difficult colonoscopy were represented. CONCLUSION: This proof-of-principle assessment confirms that in patients with a history of abdominal surgery the water method significantly increases the proportion able to complete unsedated colonoscopy. The water method deserves to be evaluated in patients with other factors associated with difficult colonoscopy.

A proof-of-principle, prospective, randomized, controlled trial demonstrating improved outcomes in scheduled unsedated colonoscopy by the water method.

BACKGROUND: An observational study in veterans showed that a novel water method (water infusion in lieu of air insufflation) enhanced cecal intubation and willingness to undergo a repeat scheduled unsedated colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To confirm these beneficial effects and significant attenuation of discomfort in a randomized, controlled trial (RCT). DESIGN: Prospective RCT, intent-to-treat analysis. SETTING: Veterans Affairs ambulatory care facility. PATIENTS: Veterans undergoing scheduled unsedated colonoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: During insertion, the water and traditional air methods were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Discomfort and procedure-related outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty-two veterans were randomized to the air (n = 40) or water (n = 42) method. Cecal intubation (78% vs 98%) and willingness to repeat (78% vs 93%) were significantly better with the water method (P < .05; Fisher exact test). The mean (standard deviation) of maximum discomfort (0 = none, 10 = most severe) during colonoscopy was 5.5 (3.0) versus 3.6 (2.1) P = .002 (Student t test), and the median overall discomfort after colonoscopy was 3 versus 2, P = .052 (Mann-Whitney U test), respectively. The method, but not patient characteristics, was a predictor of discomfort (t = -1.998, P = .049, R(2) = 0.074). The odds ratio for failed cecal intubation was 2.09 (95% CI, 1.49-2.93) for the air group. Fair/poor previous experience increased the risk of failed cecal intubation in the air group only. The water method numerically increased adenoma yield. LIMITATIONS: Single site, small number of elderly men, unblinded examiner, possibility of unblinded subjects, restricted generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: The RCT data confirmed that the water method significantly enhanced cecal intubation and willingness to undergo a repeat colonoscopy. The decrease in maximum discomfort was significant; the decrease in overall discomfort approached significance. The method, but not patient characteristics, was a predictor of discomfort. (Clinical trial registration number NCT00747084).

A randomized, controlled comparison of warm water infusion in lieu of air insufflation versus air insufflation for aiding colonoscopy insertion in sedated patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening and surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Pilot studies using a novel water method to perform screening colonoscopy allowed patients to complete colonoscopy without sedation medications and also significantly increased the cecal intubation success rate. OBJECTIVE: To perform a randomized, controlled trial comparing air insufflation (conventional method) and water infusion in lieu of air insufflation (study method) colonoscopy in minimally sedated patients. HYPOTHESIS: Compared with the conventional method, patients examined by the study method had lower pain scores and required less medication but had a similar cecal intubation rate and willingness to undergo colonoscopy in the future. SETTING: Outpatient colonoscopy in a single Veterans Affairs hospital. METHODS: After informed consent and standard bowel preparation, patients received premedications administered as 0.5-increments of fentanyl (25 microg) and 0.5-increments of Versed (midazolam) (1 mg) plus 50 mg of diphenhydramine. The conventional and the study methods for colonoscopy were implemented as previously described. Additional pain medications were administered at the patients' request. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Increments of medications, pain scores, cecal intubation, and willingness to repeat colonoscopy. RESULTS: Increments of medications used before reaching the cecum (1.6 +/- 0.2 vs 2.4 +/- 0.2, P < .0027), total increments used (1.8 +/- 0.2 vs 2.5 +/- 0.2, P < .014), and the maximum pain scores (1.3 +/- 0.3 vs 4.1 +/- 0.6, P < .0002) were significantly lower with the water method. Cecal intubation rate (100%) and willingness to undergo a repeat colonoscopy (96%) were similar. LIMITATIONS: Single Veterans Affairs hospital, older male population. CONCLUSION: Water infusion in lieu of air insufflation is superior to air insufflation during colonoscopy in the minimally sedated patients (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00785889).

Options for screening colonoscopy without sedation: sequel to a pilot study in U.S. veterans.

BACKGROUND: Sedation on demand combined with a novel water infusion technique enabled 23 of 44 veterans to complete screening colonoscopy without sedation. OBJECTIVE: With use of the usual air insufflation technique, we determined the proportion of patients who could complete colonoscopy without sedation. DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data in a performance improvement project to minimize the burden of sedation. SETTING: A Veterans Affairs open access screening colonoscopy program. SUBJECTS: Ninety-three consecutive veterans who accepted on-demand sedation or scheduled no sedation. METHOD: Usual air insufflation during colonoscope insertion. Medications were administered at the veteran's request. RESULTS: Twenty-three veterans chose scheduled unsedated colonoscopy; 22 were completed without sedation. Sedation on demand enabled 54 to complete the procedure without medications; 16 requested medications to complete colonoscopy. Nurses' expectations indicated that the choices were credible options. CONCLUSIONS: Options for screening colonoscopy without sedation combined with usual air insufflation are feasible among U.S. veterans. Confirmation by randomized controlled trial and evaluation of the impact on institutional costs and patient adherence to screening and surveillance colonoscopy deserve to be considered.