[Colonoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic method in large intestine diseases. Results of 1715 exams].

Widespread use of colonoscopy in clinical practice results from the continuous progress of the techniques developed for exam completion and from the therapeutic perspective for several colorectal conditions. This paper analyses in a retrospective basis the results associated to the employment of fibrocolonoscopy between 1984 and 1995 at Discipline of Coloproctology from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine. For this period, 1,715 exams were realized. More than 50% of the patients were between the 50th and 70th decade. Habit change of hemorrhage were indications for the exam in more than 35%. Inflammatory bowel disease and cancer follow-up were indications, respectively, in 18% and 16%. "Express mannitol" bowel prep resulted satisfactory in more than 97% but precluded complete exam for seven (0.4%) patients. In 42.5%, colonoscopic examination was normal. Polyps were found in 248 (14.5%) patients for whom 376 polypectomy procedures were done successfully. Endoscopists could not reach the cecum in 68 (3.9%) patients. Incidence of hemorrhage and perforation was nill for this series. Authors conclude that fibrocolonoscopy remains as a safe and efficient method for the diagnosis and treatment (polypectomy) of common colorectal conditions.