Major Research Findings

Evaluation of mucosal healing with colonoscopy is recommended for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management; however, little is known about real-world use of treat-to-target monitoring following IBD treatment initiation. 11 . The study aimed to estimate the proportion of U.S. commercially insured IBD patients who receive colonoscopy in the 3 to 15 months after initiating treatment.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used in the treatment of multiple advanced stage cancers but can induce immune-mediated colitis necessitating treatment with immunosuppressive medications. 4 . Diagnostic colonoscopy is often performed but requires bowel preparation and may delay diagnosis and treatment. Sigmoidoscopy can be performed rapidly without oral bowel preparation or sedation.

Colonoscopy is a routine procedure performed worldwide, nevertheless, a small risk of splenic injury, often under-estimated, is still present. 14 . As a matter of fact, the diagnosis may be delayed, leading to a rising risk of morbidity and mortality. This paper describes a case of conservative treatment of colonoscopy-associated splenic injury.

Colonoscopy is a common procedure for screening of colon cancer. Although complications are rare, recently there have been reports of splenic injury associated with colonoscopy. Its causes are not clear. 6 . Physicians performing colonoscopies should be aware of this potential complication.

Treatment Summary

Colonoscopy is recommended for the evaluation of mucosal healing in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 11 . Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be used to diagnose checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis. 4 . Splenic injury following colonoscopy can be treated conservatively. 14 . Colonoscopy can be used to predict the response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 5 . Colonoscopy can be used as the first treatment for Crohn’s disease refractory anastomotic stricture. . Colonoscopy can be a successful treatment for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. 7 . Colonoscopy is effective for minimally invasive dissection and resection of inflammatory fibroid polyps in the terminal ileum. 8 . A new method for treating rectal tumors, colonoscopy-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery via glove port (CA-TAMIS-GP), has been developed. 16 . A new method, colonoscopy-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (CAL-WR), can be used to treat suspected T1 colon cancer. 10 .

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Colonoscopy can be used to evaluate mucosal healing in the management of IBD, diagnose checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis, treat splenic injury, predict the response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, treat Crohn’s disease refractory anastomotic stricture, treat distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, resect inflammatory fibroid polyps in the terminal ileum, and treat rectal tumors.

Risk Summary

Colonoscopy carries a risk of perforation and bleeding. 12 . Splenic injury due to colonoscopy is a rare complication but can cause hemodynamic instability. 6 . Colonoscopy can be painful, with many patients experiencing pain and discomfort, and often requires oral bowel preparation. 4 .

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities of Studies

Many studies show that colonoscopy can play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many gastrointestinal diseases.

Differences of Studies

Studies may differ in the procedures used and the equipment used. Some studies focus on a specific type of gastrointestinal disease. Studies may also differ in their findings regarding the benefits and risks of colonoscopy.

Consistency and Contradictions of Results

Studies show that colonoscopy can play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many gastrointestinal diseases. However, there may be inconsistencies in the study results, and further research is needed on the benefits and risks of colonoscopy.

Real-World Applications and Considerations

Colonoscopy can play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many gastrointestinal diseases. However, it is important to remember that there are risks associated with colonoscopy. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of colonoscopy with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

Limitations of Current Research

Many of the current studies were small or focused on specific populations, so the results may not be applicable to everyone. Additional research may be needed to support the results of the studies.

Future Research Directions

Future research should further investigate the procedures, equipment used, and the associated benefits and risks of colonoscopy. Future studies should also investigate how colonoscopy affects different populations.

Conclusion

Colonoscopy can play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. However, remember there are risks associated with colonoscopy. Before having a colonoscopy, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Treatment List

Colonoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune checkpoint inhibitor, colitis, splenic injury, rectal cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Crohn’s disease, anastomotic stricture, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, inflammatory fibroid polyp, colonoscopy-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery via glove port (CA-TAMIS-GP), colonoscopy-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (CAL-WR)