Incontinence after colonoscopy - an unrecognized and preventable problem. A cross-sectional study from the Gastronet quality assurance program

Background: Colonoscopy requires insufflation of gas for visualization of the bowel wall. Worldwide, this is usually done using air. The aim of the present study was to assess the risk of postcolonoscopy incontinence, and to investigate whether insufflation of CO₂ instead of air may reduce this risk, since it is easily absorbed through the bowel mucosa. Methods: This is a prospective multicenter study of colonoscopy...