The role of colonoscopy in coloproctological practice.

Colonoscopy has completely changed the practice of colorectal surgery. It has both diagnostic and therapeutic roles. In diagnosis, it allows direct visualization of the colon and taking of tissue biopsies for histology. The commonest therapeutic manoeuvre is polypectomy for bleeding. Colonoscopy is safe and, where facilities exist, it should be used as first-line investigation of colorectal disorders.