Sigmoidoscopy

It is an examination of the colon internally by using sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-duh-skope). There is a camera attached to flexible tube to analyze and observe the rectum where the sigmoid and the lower divisions of the colon. Physicians use a flexible and thin tube to examine the rectum. Sigmoidocopy may take up to 20 minutes. It may be an uncomfortable experience for the patients. During the examination, the patient may feel pressure and minor cramping in their lower abdomen. However patients will feel better following the air leaves their colon. To have this test, patients lie on an examining table from their left sides. The doctor, who makes the test, puts a flexible tube into the rectum and slowly makes the procedure into the colon.

There is also a minor risk of perforation of the colon wall. If the physicians find a lesion, they may take a sample biopsy to the laboratory for testing. The biopsy is used or confirmation of the diagnosis under a microscope. With the use of sigmoidocopy, physicians may find out the main cause of abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. Sigmoidoscopy is also being used to detect the early symptoms of colorectal cancer.

With the help of transmission of the images of inside of the rectum and colon sigmoidoscopy enables doctors to observe inflammation, bleeding, abnormal growths and ulcers in descending rectum and colon. Because the scope blows air into these organs, there is an inflation that aids doctor to examine better. The likely complications of simoidoscopy include puncture and bleeding. However the incidence of these complications are very low.

Before you have the test, it is important to remember precautions given below for your safety:

• Always follow your doctor's instructions
• The rectum and colon should always be empty
• Only consume clear liquids prior to the sigmoidocopy (usually 12-24 hours)
• Take enema (a liquid solution) with your doctor’s guidance to wash out the intestines