Using prior CT scans to guide colonoscope insertion
The Impact of Image-Assisted Colonoscope on Patient Experience, Physician Workload, and Examination Quality
This trial will test whether using a patient's existing abdominal/pelvic CT scan to guide colonoscope insertion makes colonoscopy faster and more comfortable for adults having screening or diagnostic colonoscopy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Peking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT07541924 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-blind, randomized controlled trial at Peking Union Medical College Hospital will randomize 140 participants 1:1 to image-assisted insertion based on a prior abdominal/pelvic CT (≤5 years) or to standard insertion. The primary outcome is cecal intubation time, with secondary outcomes including patient-reported pain (VAS), willingness for future colonoscopy, operator workload (NASA-TLX), looping events, total procedure time, and polyp detection rate. Operators will record procedural findings and investigators will compare those findings with CT-based anatomical predictions to measure consistency and feasibility. The trial aims to provide prospective evidence on whether individualized, anatomy-informed insertion strategies improve examination quality and patient experience.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 undergoing colonoscopy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital who have an abdominal/pelvic CT from within the past 5 years and no major abdominal surgery afterward are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without a usable CT within 5 years, those with prior colonic resections that alter anatomy, and those with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, coagulopathy, or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shorten insertion time, reduce patient discomfort and operator workload, and improve overall exam quality and polyp detection.
How similar studies have performed: Retrospective CT-based analyses and fluoroscopy-guided maneuvers have suggested anatomical guidance can reduce looping and procedural difficulty, but prospective randomized evidence is currently lacking.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-80 years, or expected natural survival \>3 years * Undergoing colonoscopy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital * Presence of an abdominal/pelvic CT scan performed within ≤5 years and no - - - major abdominal surgery afterward * Patient or legal guardian able to understand the study and provide written consent Exclusion Criteria: * No available CT or CT quality insufficient for anatomical evaluation * Prior colonic surgery affecting anatomy (e.g., right hemicolectomy, transverse colectomy) * Severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction or coagulopathy * Pregnancy * Refusal to participate or inability to complete questionnaires * Patient or guardian unable to understand study requirements
Where this trial is running
Beijing, Beijing Municipality
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kun He, MD
- Email: hk6290418@163.com
- Phone: 15901623698
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.