Advanced Colonoscopy Techniques and Technologies

Abstract

Colonoscopy is the most frequently performed endoscopic procedure in the United States. It is the mainstay of diagnostic and therapeutic options for the practicing gastroenterologist. It plays a fundamental role in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention, with a dominant position among the screening options for CRC and precancerous lesions. Over the past decade, there have been significant advances in the field of CRC and colonoscopy, including a better understanding of the importance of right-sided lesions, the sessile serrated pathway, and recognition of the significance of operator dependence in colonoscopy. This has been paralleled by an array of technological and technical advances that has transformed the field of colonoscopy and improved patient care. This article addresses the diverse and expanding field of advanced colonoscopy techniques and technologies. It is intended to be a primer on recent and effective developments in advanced technologies for screening or imaging, mucosal resection techniques, and endoscopic management of CRC.