Figure 6.24 N‐loop. The N‐loop is also a common type of loop formation in the sigmoid and can also be reduced with clockwise torque and slow withdrawal like the alpha‐loop.
(Copyrighted and used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.)
Figure 6.25 Reverse alpha‐loop. A reverse alpha‐loop follows a similar configuration as an alpha‐loop; however, the loop passes posteriorly to the scope shaft. Attempts at clockwise torque of the scope shaft will typically result in tightening of this loop and a sensation of increasing resistance to torque attempts by the endoscopists. Instead, counterclockwise torque and withdrawal is needed to reduce this type of loop.
(Copyrighted and used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.)
In cases such as this, attempts at counterclockwise torque during scope withdrawal may result in successful loop reduction. Other clues that the direction of required torque should be reversed are if one experiences increasing resistance to scope shaft rotation during torque attempts, or if the tip of the scope moves backward with the torque maneuver. In general, the correct direction of torque should result in a sensation of decreasing resistance to shaft rotation and modest scope tip advancement. Once a loop is reduced and the scope is straight, the torque that was used in the reduction can be undone. If the scope is straight, this should not result in any reproduction of the spiral but rather simply rotate the entire shaft of the scope back to a comfortable position. Some scopes are equipped with a variable stiffness feature that is controlled by a dial at the base of the handle. If this feature is available, increasing the stiffness of the scope, now that the loops are removed, can help prevent the reformation of these loops as the scope is advanced. This increased stiffness should be removed during subsequent attempts at loop reduction and reengaged when pushing forward. External pressure can also help prevent the reformation of loops and will be discussed below.
Figure 6.26 Transverse colon loop. Like the sigmoid, the transverse colon is also typically very mobile and can result in an assortment of loops. Reduction techniques vary but often require a combination of torque with slow shaft withdrawal. The direction of torque required will depend on the nature of the loop.
(Copyrighted and used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.)
Angulated turns
Figure 6.27 Acute turn. When attempting to navigate an acute turn, novices will often rely on excessive use of the dials, resulting in the scope tip flexing greater than 90° around the turn and in poor position to be advanced (a). Correct technique involves passing the fold on the inside of the turn and gently flexing the scope tip just enough to hook the fold (b). The scope shaft is then slowly pulled back, pulling the inside fold back until the lumen can be seen past the next fold (c). This leaves the scope in better position to be advanced once the turn is opened.
(Copyrighted and used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.)
With less acute turns, torque alone, without hooking and pulling, can often push the inside fold out of the way. Again the scope tip is advanced beyond the first fold and the scope is then torqued into the turn while keeping the scope tip straight. This torque pushes the fold aside until lumen beyond it is seen and the straight scope can then be readily advanced (Figure 6.28). Often these techniques are done over and over in opposite directions in the sigmoid colon until the descending colon is reached. An adult colonoscope is preferable with this technique as the added stiffness allows greater ability to push folds aside with torque. This technique is difficult when the sigmoid or area of acute turn is fixed in position due to adhesions. In instances like this, a pediatric scope and two‐handed dial technique may be a more effective method to pass a turn. Endoscopists tend to favor one technique or scope type over another, but experienced endoscopists must master all techniques and equipment to accommodate any type of colonic anatomy.
Another area where acute turns result in a disruption of the force vector is commonly encountered in the right colon. Once the tip has made it around the hepatic flexure, it is not uncommon to lose the one‐to‐one motion of the scope even after loop reduction. This is due to a significant change in the