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Daniel J. Abramson, MD; Chevy Chase, Md

JAMA. 1976;235(14):1423.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

Female patients are often seen in consultation by a surgeon or proctologist for rectal problems or for sigmoidoscopic examination. Some may not have had a pelvic examination or Papanicolaou smear in many months or even years. Inspection of the cervix and vagina can be done easily in the standard proctoscopic positions with the usual proctologic equipment. With the emphasis on early cancer detection, this additional procedure could lead to earlier discovery of cancer of the cervix or uterus. More frequently, benign pathologic lesions will be noted. The end result will be earlier treatment by a gynecologist or surgeon.

The usual procedure for a sigmoidoscopic examination is followed. The patient is placed in an appropriate position. Then, without the use of lubricants, a Welch-Allyn fiberoptic proctoscope or sigmoidoscope is inserted into the vagina. An excellent view of the cervix and vagina is obtained. A Papanicolaou smear is made . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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