Ergonomics in colonoscopy: Its critical role in shaping future practices

Abstract

Regular screening of the large bowel is crucial for identifying pathology at an early stage, particularly for colorectal cancer, the third most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide [1]. Early detection can drastically reduce mortality rates, improve quality of life for patients [2], and decrease healthcare costs associated with treating diseases [2], [3]. Several non-invasive screening methods are cost-effective and are valuable solutions for early detection [4], such as the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which can be done at home at very low cost [5]. Other new solutions are emerging, such as DNA liquid biopsies [6]. However, they are more expensive and have not yet been proven as effective as FIT.

If any of these non-invasive tests result in a positive finding, an optical colonoscopy, a visual inspection of the large bowel, is required since it can take biopsies and remove polyps before they may become cancerous [7]. Colonoscopy is a complex procedure that relies heavily on the technical skills of the operator and requires extensive training [8]. It can cause pain and discomfort for the patient and incur high costs for healthcare, including upfront costs to purchase expensive equipment and ongoing costs for cleaning and maintenance within a dedicated reprocessing unit. Additionally, this procedure poses challenges for healthcare professionals due to the lack of ergonomic design, often resulting in musculoskeletal injuries [9].