Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Appleyard, Mark N.
• Mosse, Charles A.
• Mills, Timothy N.
• Bell, G.Duncan
• Castillo, Fortunato D.
• Swain, C.Paul

Titel

The measurement of forces exerted during colonoscopy

Ist Teil von

• Gastrointestinal endoscopy, 2000-08, Vol.52 (2), p.237-240

Ort / Verlag

New York, NY: Mosby, Inc

Erscheinungsjahr

2000

Quelle

MEDLINE

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Background: The widely varying forces used at colonoscopy have not been measured. An electronic device was designed to measure the forces exerted by the clinician on the endoscope during colonoscopy. Methods: The device featured a handle designed in the shape of a hinged split cylinder that could be locked around the endoscope but readily moved up and down the insertion tube as the colonoscopy proceeded. This cylinder contained strain-gauges arranged so that the forces transmitted could be accurately measured. The device recorded the torque forces in addition to the push and pull forces exerted during diagnostic colonoscopy. Results: In a series of 21 colonoscopies in 20 patients: peak pushing force = 4.4 kg, pulling force = –1.8 kg, anti-clockwise torque = 1.0 Newton meters, clockwise torque = 0.8 Newton meters. Percentage time force greater than 1 kg = 5%. Peak anal insertion force = 1.8 kg. Conclusions: These measurements represent the first accurate measurements of the forces exerted during colonoscopy. Reducing the force during colonoscopy is likely to diminish pain and reduce the risk of perforation. A knowledge of these forces may also help with the design of new instruments and models for teaching or research.