Medical abbreviation:
None
Type:
Direct view and surgical Intervention
Definition:
Is a test done using an endoscope (a tube with a camera and ports for instruments). The scope (approximately 60 cm long and 1.5 cm thick) is passed into the anus and examines only the first part 2 parts of the large bowel, the rectum and sigmoid colon. It can be used to take tissue samples for diagnosis and to remove polyps. The test normally lasts 15 minutes. Patients may experience bloating and mild abdominal discomfort; this usually passes after passing wind.
When would I need this test?
The test is used to investigate conditions such as bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and bowel blood vessel disorders. These conditions may present with the following symptoms, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea lasting more than 2 weeks, lower abdominal pain and change in bowel habit.
Important
The test requires the bowel to be completely free of stool, this requires a bowel preparation, consisting of an assortment of oral laxatives and rectal enemas to be taken. Your doctor will prescribe this for you.
Risks
These are very rare when an experienced professional performs sigmoidscopy. The potential risks are:
