Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows the physician to examine the lower one-third of the large intestine. Sigmoidoscopy is helpful in identifying the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding.

Sigmoidoscopy may also be used to obtain biopsies and to perform procedures such as removal of polyps or hemorrhoids. Sigmoidoscopy is also used to screen for colorectal cancer.

A sigmoidoscopy may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your physician's practices.

You will be asked to lie on the procedure table on your left side with your knees bent towards your chest. Your physician conducts a rectal exam to check for the presence of blood, mucus, or fecal matter and to help dilate the anus.

A lubricated sigmoidoscope is then slowly inserted into the anus and advanced into the rectum and lower part of the colon. After the sigmoid colon is visualized, the sigmoidoscope will be removed.

Sigmoidoscopy may be performed in conjunction with an anoscopy and/or a proctoscopy. If these procedures are performed, an anoscope and/or a proctoscope will be inserted to visualize the lower rectum and/or anal canal.

During the procedure, specimens may be taken from the lining of the large intestine with a special brush or swab. If a polyp is found, it may be removed, biopsied, or left alone until a subsequent operation is performed.

When do you need Sigmoidoscopy?

A sigmoidoscopy may be used to visualize or diagnose colon polyps, tumors, ulceration, inflammation, hemorrhoids, diverticula (pouches), and strictures (narrowing) in the sigmoid colon.

It may also be used to determine the cause of recent changes in bowel habits, lower abdominal pain, itching around the anus, or the passage of blood or mucus in the stool.

What are the Risks in Sigmoidoscopy?

As with any invasive procedure, complications may occur. Complications related to sigmoidoscopy may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• persistent bleeding after biopsy,
• peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity), and
• perforation of the intestinal wall (rare)

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant or have any concerns about the procedure, you should notify your physician.

Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a sigmoidoscopy. These factors include:

• use of soap suds enemas prior to the procedure, which irritate the lining of the mucosa,
• presence of barium from previous tests used to examine the colon (such as a barium enema),
• inadequate preparation of the bowel before the procedure,
• problems which may interfere with the passage of the sigmoidoscope, such as narrowing of the colon, surgical adhesions, or disease such as chronic inflammatory disease, and
• rectal bleeding, which may interfere with visualization

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page