Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy differs from colonoscopy in that your doctor is limited to examining only your rectum and the lower part of the large intestine, which is called the sigmoid colon. In a colonoscopy, the entire large intestine is examined. The other difference between the two procedures is that no sedation is needed for a sigmoidoscopy.
Types of Procedures
There are two types of sigmoidoscopy procedures
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Rigid sigmoidoscopy
The difference between the two has to do with the type of scope used, either a flexible or rigid tube. Rigid sigmoidoscopy is now rarely used because of the improved technology of flexible sigmoidoscopy. Preparation for a sigmoidoscopy procedure is simple and you will be given an enema before the procedure. During the procedure, you will be asked to lie down on your left side. A short, lighted tube, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the rectum. The tube fills the area with air and takes a video image that your doctor can examine. The scope can remove polyps and take biopsy samples of abnormal tissue, both of which will then be sent to a laboratory to rule out the presence of cancer. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
- Category
- Gastroenterology