Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Water vs. Air Method for Performing Colonoscopy in Adult Female Subjects

This is a prospective , single center, investigator initiated, randomized controlled trial to compare two methods of performing colonoscopy by experienced colonoscopist. Potential female subjects presenting for colonoscopy at UCD GI Lab will be presented with the study option and will be enrolled if they sign the informed consent. In recent years, the water infusion method has been reported to have several beneficial effects when studied in veteran patients. These include: significant reduction in discomfort to permit a significantly higher percentage (98% vs. 76%) of veterans to complete scheduled unsedated colonoscopy, lower sedation medication requirement when they accepted the option of minimal pre-medication sedation, more patients completing without sedation (78% vs 54%) when they accepted the on demand sedation and an increase in the yield of adenomas (a type of cancer seen in the colon) in screening and surveillance colonoscopy. Reviewers of the method have repeatedly called for studies using the method in female patients to confirm or refute the findings as most of the veteran patients are male patients.