Relative Efficacies of Interventions to Improve the Quality of Screening-related Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background & Aims Significant variability exists in colonoscopy quality indicators including adenoma detection rate (ADR). We synthesized evidence from randomized trials in a network meta-analysis on interventions to improve colonoscopy quality. Methods We included trials from database inceptions to September 25, 2023 of patients undergoing screening-related colonoscopy and presented efficacies of interventions within domains (periprocedural parameters, endoscopist-directed interventions, intraprocedural techniques, endoscopic technologies, distal attachment devices, and additive substances) compared to standard colonoscopy. The primary outcome was ADR. We employed a Bayesian random effects model using Markov-chain Monte-Carlo simulation, with 10,000 burn-ins and 100,000 iterations. We calculated odds ratios with 95% credible intervals and presented surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves. Results We included 124 trials evaluating 37 interventions for the primary outcome. Nine interventions resulted in statistically significant improvements in ADR compared to standard colonoscopy (9-minute withdrawal time, dual observation, water exchange, iScan™, linked color imaging, computer-aided detection, Endocuff™, Endocuff Vision™, and oral methylene blue). Dual observation (SUCRA=0.84) and water exchange (SUCRA=0.78) ranked highest among intraprocedural techniques, iScan™ (SUCRA=0.95), linked color imaging (SUCRA=0.85), and computer-aided detection (SUCRA=0.78) among endoscopic technologies, WingCap (SUCRA=0.87) and Endocuff™ (SUCRA 0.85) among distal attachment devices, and oral methylene blue (SUCRA= 0.94) among additive substances. No interventions improved detection of advanced adenomas, and only narrow-band imaging improved detection of serrated lesions (odds ratio 2.94, 95% credible interval 1.46 to 6.25). Conclusions Several interventions are effective in improving adenoma detection and overall colonoscopy quality, many of which are cost-free. These results can inform endoscopists, unit managers, and endoscopy societies on relative efficacies.