Improving lesion detection during colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy has changed since it was first introduced 50 years ago, with glass fibers being replaced by video electronics, the addition of water jets, better illumination, and the use of filters to enhance visual identification of polyps. In spite of these improvements, polyps and tumors of the colon are still overlooked even by the most meticulous examiner. Because missed lesions can develop into cancer, better imaging methods are required. The Third Eye Retroscope is a device that, in conjunction with the video colonoscope, may be able to find virtually all lesions in the colon. This novel device is described here and presents a new way to look into the colon.