Normal Colonoscopy Findings

Abstract

Normal findings of colonoscopy should be familiarized in order to better understand the pathological findings of colonoscopy. The colon segments can be divided into six: rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon, and cecum, where the ileocecal valve and appendiceal orifice serve as important landmarks. Appreciation of the endoscopic differences between each segment is important, and anatomical localization by the length of scope from anal verge can be possible if the scope is thoroughly straightened. The normal variant of colonoscopy includes nonspecific erythema of rectum, iatrogenic mucosal injury, suction polyp, lymphoid nodules, inverted appendix, aphthous ulcers, uterine cervix, as well as postoperative changes. The precise knowledge of normal and normal variant of colonoscopic findings is essential for the performance of colonoscopy, correct diagnosis of pathological findings, and understanding the clinical features of colonic disease.