Sigmoidoscopy is one of the methods of diagnosis for a variety of diseases. In this way, the doctor can examine the sigmoid area of ​​the colon and examine problems such as types of ulcers, polyps, abnormal cells, cancer, and so on. It should be noted that sigmoidoscopy is performed without pain and bleeding and will not cause any particular problems.
Sigmoidoscopy is the best way to diagnose colorectal cancer. It can also be used to help treat problems such as bleeding, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
This procedure is done using a long and flexible tube. The tube has a camera and light which is attached to the monitor and allows the physician to see inside the intestine in the sigmoid area.
In a colonoscopy test, the doctor will examine the entire colon, but only if the sigmoid colon needs to be examined, this test will be used.
How is sigmoidoscopy preformed?
For a sigmoidoscopy, your doctor may use sedation or local anesthesia, but the patient usually is awake because the doctor may need to talk to the patient. For this purpose, the patient needs to lie to the left side of his body so that the physician can insert the sigmoidoscope into the anus and easily examine the end of the intestine.
During the test, some air enters the colon through the tube to open the colon and also the dilatation of these parts may be performed during Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy by the use of balloon dilatation so as to open a narrowing which can be an uncomfortable procedure, Therefore, it is normally preformed with sedation and pain relief.
If a physician observes abnormal tissue and polyps during the test, it removes it using a special device and sends it to the lab for further examination. The duration of the sigmoidoscopy test varies from 10 to 30 minutes.