[Diagnostic value of sigmoidoscopic examination in diseases of the colon (author's transl)]

215 Cases out of 400 colosopic and 300 sigmoidoscopic examinations showed polypi and carcinomas. The polypi of 170 patients were located at a rate of 63,5% in the rectum and sigma area and of 36,5% in the proximal colon sections. Out of 45 carcinomas 80% could be localized in the rectum and sigma area and 20% in the further parts of the colon. Patients, if only sigmoidoscopically examined, showed polypi at a rate of 4,7% and carcinomas of 1,3%. For patients coloscopically examined polypi were found at a rate of 23,5% and carcinomas of 8% in the rectum and sigma area. 66% of all polypous changes and 82% of carcinomas were found with patients beyond 60 years of age. In 17 cases colitis ulcerosa, in 3 cases Morbus Crohn and in 3 cases of lipom could be established. The relatively high rate of pathological abnormities found in the upper colon section proves the diagnostic value of a total coloscopic examination. The recto-sigmoidoscopic examination therefore should be restricted to provisionary tests only.