Total and subtotal colonoscopy with short instrument and without fluoroscopy.

The technique and results of 111 consecutive colonoscopies with a short colonoscope without the use of X-ray screening are reviewed. The caecum could be reached in 44 percent of the cases. No complications occurred. The great clinical value of the procedure is shown by the following findings:X-ray-negative lesions--including 2 cases of carcinoma--were found in 35 percent of the cases, radiologically demonstrated lesions could be defined more precisely in 18 percent, and the presence of colonic lesions could be ruled out in 11 percent in spite of equivocal X-ray findings. It is concluded that many more centres ought to take up the procedure, which offers the prospect of significantly reducing suffering and death from colonic disease.