Colonoscopy a Real Diagnostic Paragon

Abstract

Diagnostic colonoscopy acquires the status of gold standard investigation for evaluation of colonic problems. Formally, colonoscopy was first initiated in June 1969 in America. Colonoscopic history can be traced back to 1958. Matsunaga from Japan was the pioneer as he used a gastrocamera which was the start of colonoscopic era. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was later introduced in 1963. Existing colonic perforation and refusal of a fully compos mentis patient, remain absolute contraindications to diagnostic colonoscopy. Bowel Perforation, although less common, is a disastrous complication of colonoscopy. It is a basic right of any patient who has been offered a colonoscopic procedure to have appropriate, clear and concise information about colonoscopy. Consent literally means permission or an agreement which is granted by a patient to a health care individual to receive examination, test, treatment or intervention. Colonoscopic consent process should be valid and has voluntary, fully informed and capacity aspects as its integral components. There were a lot of oppositions against colonoscopy at that time. It was believed to be dangerous and unnecessary exercise by many surgeons. Time has proved that to be a wrong perception. It is now believed to be an extremely useful diagnostic modality. It is safe procedure in experienced hands and provides valuable clinical information. Colonoscopy is not a pleasant investigation as it is usually related with pain and discomfort by patients; fortunately, good analgesia and safe conscious sedation make this hostile but worthwhile procedure tolerable to patients.Today colonoscopy has kept its status of the gold standard investigation in diagnosing bowel cancer and has prime role in the assessment of majority of large bowel symptoms. Colonoscopy also retains the status of being an investigation with highest sensitivity and specificity, out of all available diagnostic modalities, for identifying adenomatous polyps and now it has acquired a unique status of being a diagnostic paragon.