ABSTRACT
All symptoms possibly related to diseases of the colorectum can be regarded as an indication for colonoscopy. Imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT and MRI have made tremendous advantages in the past decade. Nevertheless, the contemporary video colonoscopy has a superior sensitivity regarding the inner surface of the colorectum. Amongst experienced endoscopists, bowel preparation is regarded as the most meaningful precondition for high quality of diagnostic colonoscopy. The term polypectomy reflects the situation that polyp-like lesions were the first that could be recognised by barium enemas and later the first generations of colonoscopes. Their shape, which typically contains a peduncle and a tumour bearing head, makes it easy to remove them by cutting the pedicle with a snare and electrocautery. The endoscopic removal of suspected lesions of the colorectal mucosa is both a diagnostic and a therapeutic measure. The technique of removal is determined by the size, the shape and the position of the lesion.
