Technical Pearls

ABSTRACT

Colonoscopy is perhaps the most important investigation available to physicians who care for patients with diseases of the large intestine. Indications for colonoscopy are common, and it is arguably the most cost-effective way of screening for colorectal cancer. The demand for colonoscopy is likely to increase, leading to an increased demand for colonoscopists. Every colonoscopist has to acquire and develop skill in the technique of intubating the colon, a technique that is difficult to learn and even more difficult to do well. The stakes are high as the insertion technique plays a major role in the effectiveness and the acceptability of colonoscopy, whereas the withdrawal technique determines clinical accuracy. Other articles in this volume cover important topics related to the procedure such as bowel preparation, medication, therapeutics, training, and complications. This article provides some ideas that may be helpful in refining the colonoscopy insertion technique itself.

KEYWORD

Colonoscopy - technical aspects

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