Do U Apply Abdominal Pressure During Colonoscopy?

Published

Are you also asked to apply pressure on the left lower iliac region during colonoscopy, esp after reaching the sigmoid?

We're usually asked to do it in order to straighten the splenic and hepatic flexure and facilitate easier insertion and to quickly reach the caecum.

It's just too tiring esp with patients having big bellies. :)

I've been doing flexible sigmoidoscopies for 17+ years and I apply the same pricipals of scope advancement as the doctors use with the colonoscopes. The difference is I have the patients, who are not sedated, turn to their backs and press on their lower left bellies themselves. I achieve two benefits: I can better straighten the scope in the bowel and the patients become part of the team in getting the best possible exam they can. Currently we are using the 75cm Olympus scopes in our flexible sigmoidoscopies and with these methods I have been able to advance the scope many times into the cecum. Its good we have a camera to document the appendiceal orifice and terminal ileum because there are a lot of skeptics in family practice but our GI docs are used to us doing this and its fun to hear them say when questioned, "Yeah they (RN endoscopists) do that a lot!"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in O.R., Endo, Med-Surge, Mgtmt., Psyche.

I use a step stool, then I put one knee on the carrier so I have good bracing/leverage before applying abdominal pressure. This saves my back and helps me give steady, even pressure. You need to go almost to the groin area and lift up and at an angle. My docs say I'm the pro!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nice to meet up with another gutsy member of a GI crew. Sounds like you know how to work "under pressure". Do keep your back safe. When all is said and done you don't want your back to be UNdone!

Take care cecumseeker!

janjoy52

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion