The role of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in the diagnosis and management of lower gastrointestinal disorders: endoscopic findings, therapy, and complications

Flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and colonoscopic polypectomy have revolutionized the science and practice of gastroenterology. The scientific understanding of many lower gastrointestinal diseases, including colon cancer, has been greatly advanced by serial colonoscopy with colonoscopic biopsy. Several million colonoscopies are performed annually in the United States for indications such as GI bleeding, colon cancer screening or surveillance, and other GI conditions; and for therapies such as colonoscopic polypectomy, hemostasis, decompression, or dilatation. General internists, as well as other nongastroenterologists, must become familiar with these ubiquitous procedures. This article comprehensively reviews the endoscopic findings and complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.