[Fibrorectosigmoidoscopy. Results of 476 cases (author's transl)]

A fibrorectosigmoidoscope, 60 cm in length has been systematically applied in the endoscopy unit to the exploration of the distal colon. Technical parameters have been analysed in 300 patients: --immediate enema preparation was satisfactory (95% of examinations), --tolerance was good (96% of examinations), --mean length of colon explored reached 48,5 cm, --mean length of duration reached 5,15 mn. Efficacy in the detection of colonic lesions was tested in 476 patients (symptomatic or asymptomatic). Tumoral lesions were detected in 105 patients, with a total of 125 adenomas and 31 cancers; 71 lesions were found in the area that could be explored by a rigid rectosigmoidoscope (0-19 cm) while 85 were beyond this limit (20-60 cm). The fibre endoscope explores a larger territory (rectum + sigmoid), resulting in increased efficacy in the detection of colonic lesions. It should therefore replace progressively the rigid instrument in spite of its higher cost.