Colonoscopy: Its principles and applications.

Fiberoptic colonoscopy has seen its early development in the past five years and in the last two to three years a rapidly expanding experience has developed. The use of this instrument has been documented abundantly both as a diagnostic tool and as a therapeutic tool, and its effectiveness in both areas is well established. The chief therapeutic use of the colonoscope is in the removal of polyps, and in this area the experience has been most gratifying in regard to the ability to remove most polyps and the low incidencs of complications.