Colon preparation for magnification endoscopy: a rapid novel approach

Background and Study Aims: Minute lesions in the colon are of increasing clinical interest. Conventional endoscopic techniques are inadequate for visualizing these lesions, and magnification chromoendoscopy is required to identify them. This study compared the effectiveness of a simpler colon preparation method with the standard technique. Patients and Methods : Seven patients received dilute methylene blue (0.05%) by enema prior to the endoscopic evaluation. The extent, quality, and ease of dye delivery were compared with the standard methods. Results: Dye delivery by enema extended to the splenic flexure and was uniformly applied, and advancement of the endoscope was easier. This alternative method was better tolerated by patients (visual analogue scale 1.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.8; P = 0.004). Conclusion: This rapid and reliable method of visualizing the entire left colon with dye magnification allows magnification chromoendoscopy to be carried out in a convenient manner that is also less painful for the patient.