How the Test is Performed
Sigmoidoscopy is usually performed without an anaesthetic. The patient is awake but may be offered a mild sedative to ease anxiety. The rigid sigmoidoscope is a narrow, straight metal or plastic tube with a light source attached, which enables the examining doctor to look inside the bowel at its inside surface (mucosa). A flexible sigmoidoscope allows the same examination, but uses fibre-optic technology in a device that can be manipulated to look in different directions. In either case, air is gently pumped into the rectum. This may cause a sensation of fullness and will always result in some air escaping during and after the procedure as flatus – potentially embarrassing but medical staff are used to it!
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Medical Conditions and Symptoms
A sigmoidoscopy (whether rigid or flexible) may be performed for rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhoea – especially with blood and mucus, weight loss, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowels, known as tenesmus. These symptoms may indicate an infection or inflammation of the colon (colitis), or even a tumour of the rectum or sigmoid colon. Bleeding may also be from a less serious cause such as a polyp, or from dilated fragile blood vessels (angiodysplasia).
Test Results Explained
Sigmoidoscopy results may be reported and explained to the patient immediately after the procedure, or issued as a typed report.
Related Specialists
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Related Procedures
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- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
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Related Tests
Also Known As
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- Rigid Sigmoidoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
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