Colonoscopy: history and development

Retrograde colonoscopy of the entire colon, and endoscopic excision of polyps from anywhere in the colon, began in June and September of 1969, respectively. Momentous advances have occurred over the past two decades, and the two procedures are now widely accepted and practiced. Development and perfection of the methodology were, at first, fraught with many difficulties, both procedural and technical, which had to be overcome. Significant opposition was engendered in the early years by some who claimed that the methods were both unnecessary and unduly dangerous. Time has proven otherwise. Progress came about as the result of a steady stream of publications from a number of centers documenting the successful and safe application of the methodology. A recounting is presented of the many contributions that predated development of the colonoscope and colonoscopy, and how the latter came about. For those coming into the art more recently, this review of beginnings is offered to allow a balanced evaluation of their craft.