Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the large intestine, thanks to which you can see the surface of the mucosa lining individual sections of the end part of the large intestine and take samples for examination. How does sigmoidoscopy work?

Sigmoidoscopytoendoscopic examination of the large intestine , allowing to diagnose changes in its last segment - rectum, sigmoid colon and part of the descending colon. Thanks to sigmoidoscopy, it is possible to detect ulcerations, polypoid lesions, tumors and deformities in the examined part of the intestine, vascular changes and the site of active or recent bleeding. During the examination, you can also take samples for further diagnostic tests. When there is active bleeding, you can stop the bleeding during the examination.

Sigmoidoscopy: indications

  • prolonged unclear diarrhea
  • blood in stool
  • change in the rhythm of bowel movements in a person with the current normal rhythm
  • pencil-shaped stools
  • feeling of incomplete bowel movement
  • involuntary defecation
  • pain during defecation
  • abnormalities in the rectal infusion
  • relapse of ulcerative colitis

Sigmoidoscopy: preparation for the examination

The test is performed on an empty stomach, so the day before the test, the patient is forbidden to eat solid food. In the evening, before the examination or in the morning on the day of the examination, a rectal enema should be made to clean the intestine. Your doctor may recommend a suitable cleansing diet or the use of laxatives. Adequate bowel cleansing is necessary, otherwise it may not be possible to perform the test. Some patients undergo sigmoidoscopy in an antibiotic cover - the doctor decides about it.

Sigmoidoscopy: the course of the examination

Sigmoidoscopy is an examination under local anesthesia, sometimes a sedative is also given. The patient is lying on his left side in the process. The doctor introduces a flexible apparatus through the anus into the gastrointestinal tract, and the image of the intestinal walls can be viewed on the monitor. If a slice is taken, it is sent to a laboratory for histopathological examination. The entire examination usually takes a few minutes. If pain occurs during the examination, immediately inform your doctor.

Contraindications to sigmoidoscopy

  • II and III trimesters of pregnancy
  • unstable coronary artery disease
  • peritonitis
  • circulatory failure
  • blood coagulation disorders
  • acute dilatation of the colon
  • respiratory failure
  • acute inflammation of the large intestine

Sigmoidoscopy: possible complications

After the examination, there may be slight bleeding, which usually stops quite quickly. Larger and longer-lasting bleeding is very rare - in this case, it may be necessary to repeat endoscopy and electrical coagulation, and in exceptional circumstances, surgery may be necessary. On the other hand, urgent surgical treatment requires a perforation of the large intestine, occurring less than once in a thousand tests.

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