ABSTRACT
Colonoscopy is employed in prevention, diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of colorectal diseases. The technological advancement of colonoscopes and supplementary equipment, has broadened indications for colonoscopy. However, since it is an invasive method with potential complications and hazards it should be performed by specialists capable of preventing, recognizing and treating them. The authors report their personal experience with 1,234 colonoscopies. The most frequent indications were changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding in 35.1 per cent and 30.5 per cent cases respectively. The patients were given 10 per cent mannitol for bowel cleansing and inadequate bowel cleansing in only 15 (1.2 per cent) so that the colonoscopy could not be completed. The overall incidence of perforation was 0.16 per cent. Three hundred and one polypectomies were performed and two cases (0.75 per cent) of bleeding were noted.