Technologic developments are extending the scope of surgery dramatically, as in coronary-artery bypass and organ transplantation. These developments have usually been associated with increased complexity and greater cost. The use of flexible fiberoptic instruments is an interesting exception so far as it permits simplification of diagnoses and treatments of gastrointestinal and other problems with reduced complications and costs for the patient.In this issue of the Journal, Wolff and Shinya have shown that the fiberoptic colonoscope can visualize, biopsy and usually remove all pedunculated and many sessile polyps from rectum to cecum, thus avoiding the complications and extended hospital . . .