Proctosigmoidoscopy in the General Physical Examination

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Abstract
Since the purpose of the physical examination is to discover disease, it would seem logical to stress those techniques which detect the most frequent and most serious diseases in their earliest stages. An exception to this generally accepted approach is the relative neglect of the proctosigmoidoscopic examination. In a recent study of a large tumor registry,1carcinoma of the rectum and colon was the most frequently encountered cancer. It has been amply demonstrated that these often develop from adenomatous polyps and that from two-thirds to three-fourths of these cancerous and precancerous lesions occur within reach of the 25 cm. sigmoidoscope. In spite of the significance of this well-documented knowledge, we believe proctosigmoidoscopy is the most neglected of the simple diagnostic procedures. The technique of this simple procedure is seldom taught to medical students. Interns and residents who display remarkable erudition of the more glamorous radioisotopes, cardiac catheterization, and flame

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