Sigmoidoscopy (SIG-moy-DAH-skuh-pee)
enables the physician to look at the inside
of the large intestine from the rectum
through the last part of the colon, called
the sigmoid colon. Physicians may use this
procedure to find the cause of diarrhea,
abdominal pain, or constipation. They also
use sigmoidoscopy to look for early signs of
cancer in the colon and rectum. With
sigmoidoscopy, the physician can see
bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths,
and ulcers.
For the procedure, you
will lie on your left side on the examining
table. The physician will insert a short,
flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and
slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is
called a sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-duh-skope).
The scope transmits an image of the inside
of the rectum and colon, so the physician
can carefully examine the lining of these
organs. The scope also blows air into these
organs, which inflates them and helps the
physician see better.
If anything
unusual is in your rectum or colon, like a
polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can
remove a piece of it using instruments
inserted into the scope. The physician will
send that piece of tissue (biopsy) to the
lab for testing.
Bleeding and puncture of
the colon are possible complications of
sigmoidoscopy. However, such complications
are uncommon.
Sigmoidoscopy takes 10
to 20 minutes. During the procedure, you
might feel pressure and slight cramping in
your lower abdomen. You will feel better
afterwards when the air leaves your colon..
Preparation
The colon and rectum must be completely empty for sigmoidoscopy to be thorough and safe, so the physician will probably tell you to drink only clear liquids for 12 to 24 hours beforehand. A liquid diet means fat-free bouillon or broth, Jell-Oᆴ, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. The night before or right before the procedure, you may also be given an enema, which is a liquid solution that washes out the intestines. Your physician may give you other special instructions.Please contact us for additional questions regarding sigmoidoscopy.