Procedure-specific outcomes assessment for colonoscopy.

Since its origin, much of the improvement in colonoscopy has been related to technologic advancements in the endoscope itself. The pace of technologic improvement, however, has slowed and improvements affecting colonoscopy are occurring in new areas; one of which is patient outcomes. Using this analogy of macro and micro outcomes research (quality assessment), this article highlights key outcomes research and quality assessment issues as they apply to colonoscopy.