That statement is misleading as written.
A colonoscopy is, by definition, an invasive procedure because a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum to directly inspect the colon. That fundamental aspect hasn’t changed and is not expected to be “removed” in any new method that is still called a colonoscopy.
What has improved are alternatives and related technologies that reduce how often a traditional colonoscopy is needed:
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): uses CT scans to create a 3D image of the colon, non-invasive, but still may require follow-up colonoscopy if something suspicious is found.
- Stool-based tests (e.g., FIT or DNA tests): non-invasive screening for colorectal cancer, but not diagnostic if positive.
- Capsule endoscopy: a swallowable camera capsule exists, but it’s more commonly used for the small intestine and is still limited for full colon screening.
So the trend is not “colonoscopies are no longer invasive,” but rather:
we’re getting more non-invasive screening options that can sometimes reduce the need for colonoscopy.
If you share the second part of the claim, I can break it down further.
