Flexible sigmoidoscopy as a screening procedure for asymptomatic colorectal carcinoma in patients with inguinal hernia.

In patients about to have hernia repair, preoperative screening studies for early colorectal cancer using the rigid proctosigmoidoscope and barium enema have previously shown minimal cost effectiveness and poor patient acceptance. Flexible sigmoidoscopy may be more acceptable to patients and of greater diagnostic value. Between October 1980 and December 1983, 100 consecutive asymptomatic male surgical patients were examined using the Olympus 60 flexible proctosigmoidoscope. All patients were admitted for elective hernia repair. Age ranged from 21 to 88 years (mean 59.7). All patients with stool positive for occult blood on admission were excluded from this study. In addition, patients with any gastrointestinal symptoms, history of colorectal disease, or family history of colorectal polyps or carcinoma were excluded. Examinations were done under direct supervision of an attending surgeon (W.W. or C.S.C.). Of the 22 patients who had one or more benign polyps, three had villous adenomas. Two additional patients had carcinoma. Results of examination were completely normal in 63, while 13 patients were found to have hemorrhoids or diverticular disease. There were no complications and the procedure was well tolerated by all patients.