Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Since the advent of the first flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope in 1967, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy equipment has technologically advanced and is used for a number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This review covers the definition of and indications for lower endoscopy; diagnostic and screening colonoscopy, bowel preparation for colonoscopy, special considerations for patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents; endocarditis prophylaxis; general technique; diagnostic and therapeutic techniques during colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, anoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, balloon-assisted colonoscopy, and lower endoscopy training; and innovations on the horizon. Figures show room setup and patient positioning for colonoscopy; technique for insertion of a colonoscope and endoluminal view of rectum, descending colon, transverse colon, and cecum; pinch biopsy and hot biopsy forceps; snare polypectomy and endomucosal resection of a polyp using the lift and cut and suction cap techniques; Haggitt classification of tissue invasion in a pedunculated polyp; endoscopic clips and their application; self-expanding uncovered metal stents and their method of deployment; an anoscope; and rigid endorectal probes for endoscopic ultrasonography. Tables list indications for colonoscopy, recommendations for screening for colorectal cancer (average risk) from the US Preventive Services Task Force, recommendations from the US Multi-Society Task Force for surveillance after baseline colonoscopy in average-risk individuals, recommendations from the US Multi-Society Task Force for screening and surveillance in colorectal cancer (high risk), bowel preparation scales, agents for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, and Haggitt classification of tumor invasiveness in an adenomatous polyp.   This review contains 10 highly rendered figures, 7 tables, and 60 references.