Haematoma of rectus abdominis associated with dialysis.

Colonoscopy subjects the patient to inconvenience and some discomfort. It is time-consuming for the operators and occupies x-ray facilities for long periods, though we estimate that even in the most difficult cases we have used under 45 seconds of screening time. The instrument is costly, requires careful maintenance, and is subject to wear and tear which may lead to damage of the fibre bundle or of the mechanical parts. For these reasons it seems likely that colonoscopy will be a specialist service provided in a few centres. Examination of the whole colon is not to be recommended as an occasional procedure for those with a limited interest in endoscopy. We wish to thank Sister B. Quaid for her skill in preparing the patients and are indebted to Dr. A. C. Young, Mr. A. G. Parks, and Dr. J. E. Lennard-Jones for their advice and support.