Conventional Colonoscopy
Conventional colonoscopy is considered the standard for colonic evaluation. However, colonoscopy has also been found to miss polyps. In a study of same-day, back-to-back colonoscopic procedures, performed by high-volume endoscopists, the miss rate was 24% for adenomas overall, 27% for adenomas 5 mm in diameter or smaller, 13% for adenomas 9 mm in diameter, and 6% for adenomas 10 mm in diameter or larger. In addition, the procedure is time-consuming, incomplete in up to 10% of cases, and when a lesion is identified, had only 86% accuracy in precisely locating the lesion in a particular colonic segment.
Conventional Colonoscopy may cause an injury of the colon (tear or perforation), and complications related to the sedation. It is considered a risky procedure in elderly patients with comorbid conditions. Also, in under standard units, it may cause crossed infections.