Sigmoidoscopy: Exploration of The Rectum and Sigmoid
What is a sigmoidoscopy?
Sigmoidoscopy is called to explore the end of the intestine using a special optical device. Although the examination may be indispensable, is a test considered uncomfortable for patients. It is usually not painful, but causes some discomfort similar to intestinal colic. This is a result of air insufflation of the intestine, which is done in order to expand it and view it clearly.
What to do before the test?
- A day before to be administered an enema to soften stools and evacuating found at the end of the large intestine.
- The patient must lie on a table, usually on your side with knees drawn up toward your chest and arms subject. This facilitates the introduction and operation of the endoscope through the anus.
What happens during the test?
Upon inspection of the rectum through the introduction of a finger (digital rectal examination), the physician inserts the sigmoidoscope (a tube of metal or plastic) set to a small camera and blows air inside to separate the walls of the intestine. The sigmoidoscope is slowly moving up, moving in a few inches and then is removed while it is inspected in detail the mucosal surface to search for abnormalities such as inflammation, polyps or tumors. When suspicious lesions are obtained samples for microscopic examination. Polyps are removed using wire loops and electrocoagulation (polypectomy). Sometimes it is difficult to inspect the rectum with a sigmoidoscope. In these cases uses a sigmoidoscope, shorter, which is used after removing the sigmoidoscope. The sigmoidoscope has only a few centimeters in length and displays more properly the last sections of the large intestine (rectum).
Do I need hospital admission?
The test requires no anesthesia, exceptionally longer than 10-15 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. The patient may leave the hospital immediately after the sigmoidoscopy.