[Results of colonoscopy in surgically relevant diseases of the large intestine]

Colonoscopy has greatly enlarged possible diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic approaches to colonic diseases. The role played by this method for surgically relevant colonic diseases and as an element in precisely defined tumour aftercare programmes as well as for targeted screening of high-risk groups is outlined in this paper with reference to findings obtained from 491 colonoscopic examinations. Endoscopic polypectomy is also described as an important therapeutic approach to precancerous processes and early cancer forms.