Novel three-channel and three-slit stiffening tube for total colonoscopy.

Background and Study Aims: Because of the recent marked reduction in the diameter of colonoscopes, existing stiffening tubes require modification of their tips and hardness. The aim of this study was to develop a new stiffening device with a flexible soft tip which closely fitted the colonoscope. It was also designed with three slits, to improve the fit of the stiffening tube itself to the colonoscope and to extend the effective colonoscope length, and equipped with three channels for endoscopic treatment. Materials and Methods: The standard stiffening tube which has been used routinely and a novel three-channel, three-slit (TCTS) stiffening tube were employed alternately (in 160 and 161 patients, respectively). The two tubes were compared for severity of pain experienced by patients, ease of intubation, and complications. Results: Among the 160 patients examined with the standard stiffening tube, one (0.63%) complained of mild anal pain on intubation and intubation was incomplete in two (1.25%), because of resistance in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Among the 161 patients examined with the TCTS stiffening tube, three patients who presented early in the series (1.86%) developed mild proctal redness and erosions, but incomplete intubation or serious complications were not recorded. Conclusion: The TCTS stiffening tube was as easy to use as the standard stiffening tube, and is considered to be both safe and useful.