Flexible fibreoptic sigmoidoscopy--an alternative to colonoscopy?

The results of 166 colonoscopic examinations are reported with particular reference to site and nature of the lesion identified. One hundred and fifty-five polyps and 13 colorectal cancers were found, 62 polyps and five cancers being beyond 50 cm from the anal verge. It is suggested that the number of lesions beyond the reach of a flexible fibreoptic sigmoidoscope would be unacceptably high and that there can be no justification for the purchase of such an instrument as an alternative to a full length colonoscope. Whilst the fibreoptic instrument does have advantages as a sigmoidoscope its cost will preclude its widespread use in New Zealand at the present time.