Usefulness and limitations of colonoscopy in a proctological clinic.

Colonoscopy is a superior diagnostic tool for the detection of cancer of the colon. Its limitations include that it is not always available and there is a great deal of discomfort for the patient. It should therefore be used as effectively as possible. The goal of this retrolective cohort study was to analyze the usefulness of colonoscopy, especially by relating it to the subsequent therapeutic impact. Indication-related groups included "rectal bleeding," "other symptoms suggestive of malignancy," and "follow-up." In 714 patients selected as a result of admission to the proctological unit of our surgical clinic, a carcinoma was discovered in 9% and an adenoma in 13.4%. Patients with rectal bleeding were found to benefit most from colonoscopy since active therapeutic management followed in 56% of the cases. On comparison, there was a direct therapeutic impact in only 10% of the colonoscopies performed for follow-up. Identification of additional factors such as mucosal proliferation markers may help to improve the efficiency of endoscopy by more specifically designating the populations at risk for colonic neoplasia.