Went to my doctor the other day for the old annual physical. Every couple of years this includes a colon exam. My doctor just examines the lower part of the colon (Flexible Fiberoptic Sigmoidoscopy) and, if everything is alright there, doesn't recommend the more intrusive colonoscopy. While explaining this to me, the interaction went something like:
Doctor: I just check out the lower part of the colon. If we find anything abnormal, then I'll send you over to the hospital for the 'whole nine yards'.
Me: Wide eyes.
Doctor: Oh, just a figure of speech. It's only about two and half feet.