Exclusive association with Partners Medical Internationals, Boston, USA​
Search
Sign In
x
»
»
»
»
Sigmoidoscopy Test

Sigmoidoscopy Test

Sigmoidoscopy is the minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon. Unlike colonoscopy which examines the entire colon, sigmoidoscopy examines only the distal part of the colon. There are two types of sigmoidoscopy: flexible sigmoidoscopy, using a flexible endoscope, and rigid sigmoidoscopy using a rigid device. Flexible sigmoidoscopy 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. Rigid sigmoidoscopy is used for examination of rectal bleeding and anorectal diseases. Sigmoidoscopy helps to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, detecting any benign and malignant polyps and any early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. The physician inserts a short, flexible, lit tube into the rectum and slowly guides it into the colon. The tube is called a sigmoidoscope. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the rectum and colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs.

Advantages: Sigmoidoscopy helps to detect early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. The procedure is short, safe and fairly accurate.

FAQs:

What are the dos and don’ts for the patients before the procedures?

The colon and rectum must be completely empty. The patient must drink only clear liquids for 12 to 24 hours beforehand. A night before patient will receive enema to clean the bowl.

Are there any complications following sigmoidoscopy?

Sigmoidoscopy is fairly safe and short procedure (10-20 minutes); however in very few cases bleeding and puncture of the colon may occur.

Will I be given anaesthsia?

No; this procedure does not require ananethesia. Only local anaesthetic cream at the opening on the anus time of insertion of the tube will be applied.

Related Procedures

  • Gall Bladder Stone Treatment

    The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that rests beneath the right side of the liver. Its collects and concentrates bile the digestive liquid produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder after eating, aiding digestion. Bile travels through narrow tubular channels (bile ducts) into the small intestine.

    Know More

  • Proctoscopy Test

    Proctoscopy is a common medical procedure in which an instrument called a proctoscope (also known as a rectoscope, although the latter may be a bit longer) is used to examine the anal cavity, rectum or sigmoid colon. A proctoscope is a short, straight, rigid, hollow metal tube, and usually has a small light bulb mounted at the end.

    Know More

  • Polypectomy

    A polyp is a mass of tissue. The removal of a polyp is called a polypectomy. It is performed by using various instruments in the endoscopic procedures. Some polyps can develop into cancer. Most polyps are removed during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. A polyp found on the left side of bowel, there is a higher chance of having polyps on the right side.

    Know More

  • ERCP Procedure

    Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. Bile ducts are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. Patient receives sedatives through an IV line.

    Know More

  • Colonoscopy Procedure

    Colonoscopy also known as coloscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel. It examines the entire colon a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. It provides a visual diagnosis for any ulceration, polyps and aids for biopsy or removal of suspected colorectal cancer lesions.

    Know More

  • Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

    The liver plays a vital role in synthesis of proteins, detoxification, and storage. It participates in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. When the tissues of the liver are damaged due to formation of scars, lumps, fibrosis resulting in the complete loss of liver functions it is known as Cirrhosis.

    Know More

  • Bariatric Surgery

    Weight loss surgery helps people with extreme obesity to lose weight. Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) includes a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. There are different types of weight loss surgery. They often limit the amount of food one can take and surgical procedures that affect digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

    Know More

  • Gastric Bypass Surgery

    Weight loss surgery helps people with extreme obesity to lose weight. Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) includes a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. There are different types of weight loss surgery. They often limit the amount of food one can take and surgical procedures that affect digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

    Know More

  • Gastric Band Surgery

    Weight loss surgery helps people with extreme obesity to lose weight. Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) includes a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. There are different types of weight loss surgery. They often limit the amount of food one can take and surgical procedures that affect digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

    Know More

  • GERD Treatment

    Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus (food pipe). Reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), gastric reflux disease, or acid reflux disease is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus.

    Know More

  • Liver Treatment

    Liver surgeries include resection (removal) of all or a portion of the liver. It is also referred to as a hepatectomy, full or partial. A complete liver resection is performed in the setting of a transplant; a diseased liver is removed from a deceased donor (cadaver).

    Know More

  • Appendix Operation

    The Appendix is a 3.5inch-long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine. The function of the appendix is not yet fully understood, though one can live without it with no consequences. Appendicitis is a medical emergency requiring prompt surgical removal of the appendix.

    Know More

  • Laparoscopic Surgery

    Laparoscopic surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a modern surgical technique wherein operations are performed far from their location through small incisions (usually 0.5–1.5 cm) elsewhere in the body. Pain and haemorrhage are reduced due to smaller incisions and recovery times are shorter.

    Know More