Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure in which a flexible, illuminated instrument bearing a camera is advanced through the rectum to inspect the lining of the entire colon and rectum. It is the principal tool for examining the large bowel, enabling direct visualization of the mucosa, detection and removal of polyps…
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure in which a flexible, illuminated instrument bearing a camera is advanced through the rectum to inspect the lining of the entire colon and rectum. It is the principal tool for examining the large bowel, enabling direct visualization of the mucosa, detection and removal of polyps, biopsy of suspicious lesions, and investigation of bleeding, inflammation, and other abnormalities. Colonoscopy is central to colorectal cancer screening and prevention, because it can identify and remove precancerous adenomas and serrated lesions that follow recognized pathways to carcinogenesis, thereby interrupting progression to cancer. Its diagnostic yield depends on factors such as bowel preparation, complete examination of the colon, and the anatomy of structures like the haustral folds, which can influence whether lesions are missed and contribute to interval cancers. Within population screening, colonoscopy often complements non-invasive tests such as the fecal immunochemical test, which select individuals for further evaluation, and it plays a role in workup of conditions like iron-deficiency anemia. Research also addresses the psychological aspects of the procedure and strategies to improve participation in screening programs. As both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, colonoscopy combines imaging, tissue sampling, and polyp removal, making it a cornerstone of gastroenterology and of efforts to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality.
10 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 10 articles above have been cited 27 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Colonoscopy, linking to each citing work.