The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Effect of screening sigmoidoscopy and screening colonoscopy on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. BMJ 2014; 348: g2467.

Published: 11th June 2014

Authors: Brenner H, Stock C, Hoffmeister M

Conclusion

This analysis included four RCTs and ten observational studies. Screening sigmoidoscopy reduced the rate of distal, but not proximal colonic cancers: incidence down 31 per cent, cancer-specific mortality down 46 per cent. There were no RCTs for screening colonoscopy, but observational studies suggested an even better reduction in distal colonic cancers, and a significant reduction in proximal cancers.