I-Scan Versus High-definition White Light

Colorectal Cancer is the third most common cause of cancer in Canada with an estimated lifetime risk of developing the disease of 6-7%. Each year there are approximately 21,000 new cases and 9,100 deaths attributable to this disease. Colonoscopy is one of several methods recommended for CRC screening by current guidelines. While colonoscopy is the most invasive, it offers high diagnostic accuracy and ability for therapy (biopsy and removal of adenomas) compared to other modalities. The emerging evidence regarding missed neoplastic lesions with colonoscopy has resulted in quality initiatives designed to improve colonoscopy performance. I-Scan (Pentax, Montvale, NJ) is a new method that uses post processing computer algorithms to revise the standard white light to highlight pit patterns and vascular surface patterns.The relevant I-scan settings in the colon are I-scan 1 and I-scan 2. The primary objective of the study is to compare the adenoma detection rate in the right colon using High-definition white light colonoscopy versus I-scan enhanced colonoscopy.

All patients referred for a screening colonoscopy at Forzani and MacPhail Colon Cancer Centre will be considered for enrollment.All eligible patients that are not part of another research study will be approached for enrollment into the study. During the pre-assessment at the clinic a study assistant will contact all the eligible patients to describe the study and provide an "Invitation to participate in a Research study" form. The study assistant will obtain a final consent if they agree. Those not interested will simply receive the Centre's standard protocol. There will be no coercion of any sort. Following Informed Consent, treatment allocation through computer generated randomization will be revealed. Patients will be allocated to one of the three study arms (HD Colon, I-scan 1 and I-Scan 2). Patients will receive a standard bowel preparation: Split dose Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) (2L at noon + 2L at 8 PM the day before) for morning procedures or (2L at 8Pm the day before and 2L at five hours before the procedure on the day of colonoscopy) for afternoon procedure. certified gastroenterologists will perform all of the procedures with the assistance of a nurse. The planned "second look" of the right colon will involve withdrawing from the Cecum to Hepatic flexure, then re-inserting to Cecum and finally withdrawing through the entire colon. The physician performing the procedure will then fill a "Colonoscopy Report Form" including the number of polyps detected, size, shape, polypectomy method and cleanliness of the bowel.

Inclusion criteria

• All increased risk patients (Patients with family history or personal history of Colon Polyps or Colon Cancer and FOBT positive) referred for a screening colonoscopy at the Forzani and MacPhail Colon Cancer Centre will be considered for enrollment

Exclusion criteria

• Average risk patients
• Previous Colon surgery
• Hereditary Polyposis syndromes
• Suspected polyps or CRC before colonoscopy that have been suggested by another modality (Barium enema, Virtual colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy)