Colon and rectum rigid and flexible endoscopy.

The authors examined results of 1046 of the 1268 endoscopic examinations performed from July 1982 to June 1986 in a family practice unit. A flexible sigmoidoscope of 60 cm or more was used for 77% of the examinations. Data were collected from patients' charts and analyzed by computer in collaboration with a research methodologist. Screening for colorectal cancer was the reason for the examination in 287 patients (27.4%). More than 60% of the examinations were performed on patients with digestive symptoms. Miscellaneous colorectal diseases were diagnosed; more than 12% of the patients had at least one polyp with a diameter of 5 mm or more. Nine patients (0.86%) had cancer, and one patient had two primary tumours. Three of the nine patients were asymptomatic, and four had blood in their stools. Six patients had cancers found at a very early stage of development.