Limited water infusion decreases pain during minimally sedated colonoscopy

AIM: To investigate a limited water infusion method in colonoscopy. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing minimally sedated colonoscopy were randomized to receive air insufflation (n = 89) or water infusion limited to the rectum, sigmoid colon and descending colon (n = 90). Completion rates, cecal intubation times, procedure times, need for abdominal compression, turning of patients and levels of discomfort were evaluated. RESULTS: Completion rates, total procedure times, need for abdominal compression, and turning of patients were similar between groups. Less pain was experienced in the water group than in the air group (2.5 ± 2.5 vs 3.4 ± 2.8, mean ± SD, P = 0.021). The cecal intubation time was significantly longer in the water group than in the air group (6.4 ± 3.1 min vs 4.5 ± 2.4 min, P < 0.001). More water was infused in the water group (322 ± 80.9 mL vs 26.2 ± 39.4 mL, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Limited airless water infusion in the distal colon reduces patients' pain during colonoscopy.