Intraoperative colonoscopy in the detection of nonpalpable colonic lesions--how to identify the affected bowel segment.

The development and widespread use of the colonic fiberscope has led to the identification of early colonic cancers which, being small and flat, are not palpable by intraoperative examination of the exterior of the intestine. Standard operation for cancer is required when snare polypectomy is insufficient, or when it is considered that the lesions would be resected incompletely by electrocautery. We report on the use of intraoperative colonoscopy in 11 patients to identify small lesions and to maintain an adequate distance from the lesions. Intraoperative colonoscopy allows lesions to be detected rapidly, safe operations, and a decrease in operation time.