TABLE 2.

Common indications for flexible sigmoidoscopy

Suspected left colonic disease, distal to the splenic flexure, in a young patient Assessment of known distal colitis Surveillance of an anastomosis after resection of a distal colon cancer Surveillance of the rectal remnant after subtotal colectomy and reanastomosis for colitis Screening for colon cancer in: ○ Average-risk individuals; and ○ Individuals with suspected familial adenomatous polyposis

Adapted from reference 7