A survey has been undertaken of the diagnostic, therapeutic and economic value of colonoscopy in a teaching hospital surgical unit. Provided it is undertaken in conjunction with a good clinical history and double contrast barium enema, colonoscopy provides a high yield of information bearing upon the patient's subsequent management. Therapeutic polypectomy was undertaken in 21% of examinations. Its value in acute colonic disease is discussed, and the importance of training colonoscopists for the future is emphasized.
