Colonoscopy: its application and merit

Much has been learned through the development of colonoscopy. This in turn has stimulated interest in roentgenographic studies and has provided a tool for conducting research studies that would not be possible without the ability to obtain tissue sequentially over a period of time. Despite these advances, questions still outnumber answers. As new technologies open doors for research that was not historically possible, commitment to research in endoscopy becomes increasingly important. The opportunities, importance and need for commitment to endoscopic research has recently been emphasized (Silverstein 1984). It is hoped that important research questions in endoscopy will be effectively addressed and this, in turn, will improve our knowledge about cancer of the large bowel and its precursors.