Magnetic endoscopic imaging in pediatric colonoscopy: A positive impact on procedure completion rate and procedure times.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of magnetic endoscopic imaging (MEI) on pediatric colonoscopy.

Methods: We analyzed demographics, procedure completion, procedure times, complications, and whether or not MEI was used for all colonoscopies between April 27, 2023, and January 18, 2024. MEI was available for every case but used at the endoscopist's discretion. Attendings were surveyed on the frequency and duration of interventions during fellow-performed colonoscopies.

Results: We analyzed 310 colonoscopies, 113 (36%) of which used MEI. The average patient age was 13.8 years (range 5 months to 23 years). For the aggregate sample and attending-performed cases, there were fewer males in the groups that used MEI (p < 0.01). There were no other statistically significant differences in demographics or procedure indication when MEI was used. Terminal ileum (TI) intubation rate was higher when MEI was used in the aggregate sample (p = 0.02) and for fellow-performed cases (p = 0.04). TI intubation times and total procedure times were quicker when MEI was used in the aggregate sample and in both strata of attending-performed cases and fellow-performed cases (p < 0.001). One complication was reported in an attending-performed case that did not use MEI. Of the 145 fellow-performed procedures, 98 (68%) had completed surveys, 36 (36%) of which used MEI. There was no statistically significant difference in the number (p = 0.89) or duration (p = 0.96) of attending interventions when MEI was used.

Conclusion: MEI use was associated with higher TI intubation rates, faster TI intubation, and shorter total procedure times. MEI may be a valuable adjunctive tool for pediatric endoscopists.