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Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy; Sigmoidoscopy - flexible; Proctoscopy; Proctosigmoidoscopy; Rigid sigmoidoscopy; Colon cancer sigmoidoscopy; Colorectal sigmoidoscopy; Rectal sigmoidoscopy; Gastrointestinal bleeding - sigmoidoscopy; Rectal bleeding - sigmoidoscopy; Melena - sigmoidoscopy; Blood in stool - sigmoidoscopy; Polyps - sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the rectum.
How the Test is Performed
During the test:
- You lie on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest.
-
The doctor gently places a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to check for blockage and gently enlarge (dilate) the anus. This is called a
digital rectal exam
.
Digital rectal exam
A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum. The health care provider uses a gloved, lubricated finger to check for any abnormal fin...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Next, the sigmoidoscope is placed through the anus. The scope is a flexible tube with a camera at its end. The scope is gently moved into your colon. Air is inserted into the colon to enlarge the area and help the doctor view the area better. The air may cause the urge to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Suction may be used to remove fluid or stool.
-
The doctor may take tissue samples with a tiny
biopsy
tool inserted through the scope. Heat (electrocautery) may be used to remove
polyps
. Photos of the inside of your colon may be taken.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePolyps
A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.
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Sigmoidoscopy using a rigid scope may be done to treat problems of the anus or rectum.
How to Prepare for the Test
Your health care provider will tell you how to prepare for the exam. You will use an enema to empty your bowels. This is usually done 1 hour before the sigmoidoscopy.
On the morning of the procedure, eat a light breakfast.
How the Test will Feel
During the exam you may feel:
- Pressure during the digital rectal exam or when the scope is placed in your rectum.
- The need to have a bowel movement.
- Some bloating or cramping caused by the air or by stretching of the bowel by the sigmoidoscope.
After the test, your body will pass the air that was put into your colon.
Children may be given medicine to make them sleep lightly (sedated) for this procedure.
Why the Test is Performed
Your doctor may recommend this test to look for the cause of:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea , constipation, or other changes in bowel habits
- Blood, mucus, or pus in the stool
- Weight loss that can't be explained
This test can also be used to:
- Confirm findings of another test or x-rays.
-
Screen for colorectal cancer or polyps
.
Screen for colorectal cancer or polyps
Colon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Take a biopsy of a growth.
Normal Results
A normal test result will show no problems with the color, texture, and size of the lining of the sigmoid colon, rectal mucosa, rectum, and anus.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results can indicate:
-
Anal fissures
Anal fissures
An anal fissure is a small split or tear in the thin moist tissue (mucosa) lining the lower rectum (anus).
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Anorectal abscess
Anorectal abscess
An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.
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Blockage of the large intestine (
Hirschsprung disease
)
Hirschsprung disease
Hirschsprung disease is a blockage of the large intestine. It occurs due to poor muscle movement in the bowel. It is a congenital condition, which ...
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Cancer
Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
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Colorectal polyps
Colorectal polyps
A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Diverticulosis (abnormal pouches on the lining of the intestines)
-
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Inflammatory bowel disease
-
Inflammation or infection (
proctitis
)
Proctitis
Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum. It can cause discomfort, bleeding, and the discharge of mucus or pus.
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Risks
There is a slight risk of bowel perforation (tearing a hole) and bleeding at the biopsy sites. The overall risk is very small.
References
Lieberman DA, Rex DK, Winawer SJ, et al. Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after screening and polypectomy: a consensus update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology . 2012;143(3):844-857. PMID: 227613141 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22763141 .
Pasricha PJ. Gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 134.
US Preventive Services Task Force, Bibbins-Domingo K, Grossman DC, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA . 2016;315(23):2564-2575. PMID: 27304597 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27304597 .
Vargo JJ. Preparation for and complications of GI endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 41.
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Colonoscopy - illustration
There are 4 basic tests for colon cancer: a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon, colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon), and double contrast barium enema. All 4 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.
Colonoscopy
illustration
-
Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray - illustration
A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the large bowel (sigmoid area).
Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray
illustration
-
Anal biopsy - illustration
Rectal biopsy can be used to determine the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool. Rectal biopsy can also confirm findings of another test or x-rays, or take a biopsy of a growth found in the colon.
Anal biopsy
illustration
-
Colonoscopy - illustration
There are 4 basic tests for colon cancer: a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon, colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon), and double contrast barium enema. All 4 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.
Colonoscopy
illustration
-
Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray - illustration
A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the large bowel (sigmoid area).
Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray
illustration
-
Anal biopsy - illustration
Rectal biopsy can be used to determine the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool. Rectal biopsy can also confirm findings of another test or x-rays, or take a biopsy of a growth found in the colon.
Anal biopsy
illustration
Review Date: 8/1/2015
Reviewed By: Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Internal review and update on 09/01/2016 by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
