Four-year evaluation of a direct-access fibreoptic sigmoidoscopy service

Over a 4-year period, a direct-access fibreoptic sigmoidoscopy service was evaluated prospectively. In all, 756 patients were referred (median age 58 years, range 18-91 years). The principal indications were rectal bleeding (45%) or change of bowel habit (28%); both features were present in 13%. Abnormalities were present in 68% of examinations. Major disease was identified in 22% (carcinoma 7.0%, adenoma 6.3%, inflammatory bowel disease 8.3%) and minor disease in 53% (haemorrhoids 36.8%, severe diverticular disease 10.9%, non-adenomatous polyp 3.4%, perianal disease 1.4%). In patients under 40 years of age, major disease was rare (one carcinoma, three adenomas). Of the patients, 21% underwent barium enema for incomplete examination or suspected additional disease. No additional major disease was identified, but one carcinoma found in a patient with stricture. These data show that a direct-access fibreoptic sigmoidoscopy service produces a high diagnostic yield and may be of value to both patients and general practitioners in expediting a clinical colorectal service.