Developments to the design of the flexible endoscope are transforming the field of gastroenterology. There is a drive to improve colonic adenoma detection rates leading to advancements in the design of the colonoscope. Novel endoscopes now allow increased visualisation of colonic mucosa, including behind colonic folds, and aim to reduce pain associated with the procedure. In addition, a shift in surgical paradigm towards minimally invasive endoluminal surgery has meant innovations in flexible platforms are being sought. There are a number of limitations of the basic endoscope. These include a lack of stability and triangulation of instruments. Modifications to the flexible endoscope design form the basis of a number of newly developed and research platforms, some of which are discussed in this review.
Keywords: adenoma detection; colonoscopy; colorectal cancer; endoscopic mucosal resection; polyp detection.