Abstract:Objective To understand whether physician plus nurse observation during colonoscopy increases polyp detection rate. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy were prospectively randomized to physician plus nurse observation or only physician observation during withdrawal. Polyp detection rate was compared between the two groups. Results Of 985 patients in the four months study period, 498 were randomized to physician plus nurse double observation colonoscopy, and 487 to only physician observation during withdrawal. A total of 704 polyps in 271 patients were detected. Polyp detection rate in the physician plus nurse observation group was significantly higher than that in only physician observation group, with 30.5% vs 24.4% (P = 0.032) respectively. In the physician observation group, nurse found that 27 polyps in 21 patients were missed by physician. Conclusion Physician plus nurse observation during colonoscopy resulted in an increase in the number of polyps detection.