What is Sigmoidoscopy?
Sigmoidoscopy is described as the
minimally invasive
medical examination of the large
intestine from the
rectum through the last part of the
colon. It has two types: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (which
uses a flexible
endoscope) and Rigid sigmoidoscopy (which uses a rigid
device). Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally the preferred
procedure today.
Sigmoidoscopy is a very efficient screening tool. It is
similar but not the same as
colonoscopy. The difference between the two is that
sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the
sigmoid, the most distal part of the colon, while
colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.
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Effects of Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy can help
diagnose inflammatory
bowel disease,
bowel obstruction,
colon
cancer, colon polyps, diverticulosis (the
presence of abnormal pouches on the lining of the
intestines), causes of
diarrhea and
causes of
abdominal pain.
Also, this procedure can be used to determine
the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool, confirm
findings of another test or x-rays and even take a biopsy of
a growth.
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Candidates for Sigmoidoscopy
Many leading medical groups suggest that men and women aged
50 years and older should have a routine screening for colon
cancer and benign polyps every three to five years. Younger
people may need to undergo this procedure if they have close
relatives with colon cancer.
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Your
Consultation
For a thorough and safe flexible sigmoidoscopy, the colon
and rectum must be absolutely empty. The physician will most
likely advise the patient to drink only clear liquids for 12
to 24 hours in advance. A liquid diet means fat-free
bouillon or
broth,
gelatin, strained fruit
juice, water, plain
coffee, plain
tea or diet
soft drinks. The patient should also take a laxative and
an enema, which is a liquid solution that washes out the
intestines, the night before or prior to the procedure.
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The Sigmoidoscopy
Procedure
Flexible sigmoidoscopy allows the
physician to examine the inside of the large intestine
from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called
the sigmoid or descending colon. The procedure may be used
to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain or
constipation. It is also performed to look for benign and
malignant polyps, as well as early signs of cancer in the
descending colon and rectum. using flexible sigmoidoscopy,
the physician can detect
intestinal bleeding,
inflammation, abnormal growths and
ulcers in the descending colon and rectum. However,
flexible sigmoidoscopy is inadequate in detecting polyps or
cancer in the ascending or transverse colon (two-thirds of
the colon).
For the procedure, the patient is asked to lie on the left
side on the examining table. The physician inserts the
sigmoidoscope, a short, flexible, lighted tube into the
rectum and slowly guides it into the colon. 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 the 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.
It takes between 10 to 20 minutes to perform a flexible
sigmoidoscopy. While the procedure is being done, the
patient might feel pressure and trivial cramping in the
lower abdomen, but will feel better afterward when the colon
is cleared of air.
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Recovery
As a result of the air that was placed in your intestine,
you may experience cramping and gas after the procedure.
Some patients may have insignificant
rectal bleeding because of minor irritation and trauma
from the insertion of the sigmoidoscope.
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Risks
Sigmoidoscopy is predominantly acknowledged to be very safe.
However, it does carry the very rare chance of tearing of
the intestinal wall by the instruments, which would obligate
prompt major surgery to repair the tear. Moreover, removal
of a polyp may sometimes lead to localized bleeding which is
resistant to cauterization by the instrument and must be
stopped by surgical intervention
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What is a sigmoidoscopy?
A:
Sigmoidoscopy is an internal examination of the lower large
bowel (colon) with the use of an instrument called a
sigmoidoscope. The sigmoidoscope is a small camera attached
to a flexible tube. This tube is inserted into the colon to
explore the rectum and the sigmoid and descending portions
of the colon.
Q:
What is rigid sigmoidoscopy?
A:
Today, rigid sigmoidoscopy is not commended anymore as it
was in the past, prior to the advent of videocolonoscopy
(flexible sigmoidoscopy). However, it may still be
advantageous in ano-rectal diseases like bleeding per rectum
or inflammatory rectal disease, especially in the general
practice and pediatrics.
Q: What are the benefits of getting a sigmoidoscopy?
A:
Sigmoidoscopy is the best alternative to diagnose colon
cancer—the second most common cause of
cancer death in the United States. This procedure may
also be used to help interpret problems such as bleeding,
abdominal pain or
diarrhea.
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