[2025] EWHC 2025 (KB)

On 21 March 2019, the claimant underwent a flexible sigmoidoscopy performed by the defendant which is a procedure in which the lower part of the colon is examined using a thin flexible tube with a camera and light at one end. Biopsies can also be taken of the colon during this procedure.

The Sigmoidoscopy Report dated 21 March 2019 records that a digital rectal examination was performed, biopsies were taken and that when the scope was retroflexed in the rectum there were “haemorrhoids on retroflexion.” ‘Retroflexion’ is when the sigmoidoscope is inserted into the anal canal and then bent back on itself to look backwards.

This Report does not therefore record whether these haemorrhoids were prolapsed and nor does it record the grade of haemorrhoids seen. In cross-examination the defendant said that you would not see whether haemorrhoids were prolapsing on retroflexion as the sigmoidoscope is still within the anal canal. Professor Phillips agreed in evidence that the Report means that the haemorrhoids have been visualised internally, so this does not assist with grading.

The claimant said that the defendant told her she had haemorrhoids and had taken biopsies of her colon which he did not expect to show anything sinister.