Sigmoidoscopy--a necessary procedure in the routine investigation of homosexual men?

In a study to assess the value of sigmoidoscopy in the routine investigation of homosexual men, this procedure was undertaken on 1118 men who attended a sexually transmitted diseases clinic as "new" or "return new" patients. Serious rectal disease was not identified in any of the 557 men who were symptomless at the initial attendance. Though the extent of the proctitis diagnosed in 166 men would not have been defined, 99% (465) of 470 anorectal lesions would have been identified if proctoscopy alone had been performed. It is concluded that sigmoidoscopy does not have a role in the routine investigation of homosexual men.