OBJECTIVE To quantify the proportion of requests for colonoscopy that are performed as flexible sigmoidoscopy and documented reasons for this in ordinary UK hospital practice. To determine the effect these requests have on colonoscopy completion rate if they are included in the denominator of the calculated rate by individual endoscopist. DESIGN Retrospective study of 22 months flexible sigmo...

AIM To investigate the role of music in reducing anxiety and discomfort during flexible sigmoidoscopy. METHODS A systematic review of all comparative studies up to November 2016, without language restriction that were identified from MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1960-2016), and EMBASE (1991-2016). Further searches were performed using the bibliographies of articles and...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS To determine the cost-effectiveness of screening for colorectal cancer using flexible sigmoidoscopy once every 10 years, compared with annual and biennial rehydrated Hemoccult fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy once every 10 years, or no screening. METHODS A Markov model was developed in order to simulate the progression of a cohort of asymptomatic, average-risk in...

AIMS AND BACKGROUND The best screening strategy for colorectal cancer is still debated. We simulated two screening strategies, namely flexible sigmoidoscopy (single episode) and immunological fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (five biennial rounds) and comparing their results as regards advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer detection. METHODS A Markov model was developed to estimate the number...

In an earlier issue of the Journal, we showed that sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer might result in net cost savings under expert-based assumptions (1). Although savings start to exceed costs after 22 years, it takes about 45 years for a continuing screening program to be compensated by savings before all costs. A screening program that terminates after 30 years will achieve net co...

BACKGROUND Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in women, little is known about predictors of adherence to screening. METHODS A randomly selected sample of 202 predominantly low-income and African-American women were interviewed. Knowledge of, attitudes and beliefs about, and practices related to flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening were assessed. RESULTS The majority...