Abstract
The colonoscopy is an effective diagnostic method for colorectal diseases. Its importance both in diagnostics and therapy of premalignant and early malignant changes is growing recently.
Efficacy and safety of colonoscopy depend on adequate preparation of the patient - the bowel cleansing being the most important. There is a spectrum of bowel cleansing agents available in the Czech Republic today with comparable efficiency and variable safety.
A dietary restriction and an adequate liquid intake are essential parts of the bowel preparation. The planning for a colonoscopy comprises also an evaluation of patient overall status and procedure risk.
Indications of antithrombotic therapy as well as a spectrum of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are growing and this therapy has to be often modified before an endoscopic procedure. On the other hand, indications for the antibiotic prophylaxis before colonoscopy are limited.
The colonoscopy is maximally effective and safe only for properly prepared patient.