The effectiveness of flexible sigmoidoscopy as the primary method for investigating colorectal symptoms in low-risk patients.
BACKGROUND
Flexible sigmoidoscopy as the preferred initial investigation for patients with low-risk colorectal symptoms requires formal evaluation.


METHODS
From August 1999 to July 2001, 323 patients (166 men) attended the one-stop colorectal clinic. All the patients were examined using a 60-cm flexible sigmoidoscope. Presenting symptoms and findings were reviewed.


RESULTS
The mean age of the study patients was 38.6 +/- 11.87 years, with the majority (89.1%) younger than 50 years. Rectal bleeding was the most common problem (86.6%), followed by bowel habit change (13.7%). For 65.6% of the patients, a view to the proximal sigmoid was obtained. The main reason for incomplete assessment was poor bowel preparation (67.5%). The most common finding, in 202 patients (64%), was haemorrhoids. Polyps were found in 9.9% of the patients, whereas four patients (1.2%) with cancer were identified. Overall, 269 patients (83.4%) required no further investigation.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an effective method for assessing low-risk patients.
Badger
S A
SA
Department of Surgery, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Gilliland
R
R
Neilly
P J D
PJ
D000328:Adult; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000379:methods*