Investigations	Potential results	Clinical management plan: abnormal results
Flexible sigmoidoscopy	Radiation proctopathy Anterior resection syndrome	Pelvic floor and toileting exercises (page 18). Stool bulking agent. Low dose antidepressants. Consider referral to a specialist centre for biofeedback (page 18). Consider referral for acupuncture.
	Polyp	Arrange endoscopic/surgical removal.
	Newly diagnosed neoplasm	Refer urgently to the appropriate oncology team requesting an appointment within 2 weeks.
	Newly diagnosed IBD/infection	Send stool culture. If mild or moderate, refer within 2 weeks to a gastroenterologist. If severe, *this is an emergency*—discuss immediately with a gastroenterologist.

IBD, inflammatory bowel disease.