The corner of the gastroenterologist: what colonoscopy can do, what to ask to radiologist.
Colonoscopy is the diagnostic technique of choice for most colonic diseases and allows to explore the entire colonic mucosal surface and to visualize the mucosa of terminal ileum. When it is done with appropriate indications, significantly more clinically relevant diagnoses are made. Moreover, colonoscopy keeps an operative role in the treatment of some acute and chronic colonic diseases and it is the most effective colorectal cancer screening modality. The endoscopic exploration of colon is not infallible and presents rare complications. Programs of endoscopic training and practice, monitoring of quality indicators and continuous technological development are improving endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic role. Appropriate indications for colonoscopy, its limits and complications and questions for the radiologist are discussed.
Bennato
Raffaele
R
Department of Gastroenterology, Antonio Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy. lelloben@katamail.com
Balzano
Antonio
A
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D011871:Radiology