Flexible versus rigid sigmoidoscopy: a comparison using an inexpensive 35-cm flexible proctosigmoidoscope.

Seventy-one patients with symptoms of colorectal disease were evaluated with the rigid 25-cm sigmoidoscope and an inexpensive 35-cm flexible proctosigmoidoscope (American Optical FPS-2) to determine if the latter is a diagnostically reliable alternative for routine sigmoidoscopy. Examination time was comparable, 3.6 min for the rigid and 4.2 min for the flexible sigmoidoscope. Average insertion length was 21 cm for the rigid and 29.5 cm for the flexible instrument. Forty-two patients had more discomfort during the rigid versus nine during the flexible examination. Significant lesions were documented in eight patients with the rigid and 13 with the flexible sigmoidoscope. One rectal carcinoma and seven polyps were detected with both instruments, while an additional nine polyps were documented only with the flexible instrument. The 35-cm flexible proctosigmoidoscope may be a feasible alternative for routine sigmoidoscopy.