This includes the rectum andsigmoid colon.
This allows the practitioner to examine the inside of thecolon.
The test’s purpose is to check for cancer, abnormal growths (polyps), and ulcers.
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Most of the time, a sigmoidoscopy is done by agastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon.
If there is prep and sedation, the test might take longer.
Purpose
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a screening test.
It is used to identify abnormalities in the lower colon and rectum.
However, in the U.S., it is not widely used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.
Your healthcare provider may recommend the procedure if you are experiencing:
Most healthcare providers recommendcolonoscopyforcolorectal cancerscreening.
That’s because, unlike sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy can view the entire colon.
It can also help identify the source of rectal bleeding or other problems in the lower digestive tract.
If your healthcare provider finds something unusual, they may be able to do a biopsy during the procedure.
Adults over 75 may be selectively screened.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is one of the recommended screening options.
If this option is chosen, it should be repeated every five years as long as results are normal.
Colonoscopy is another recommended screening option and only needs to be repeated every 10 years.
Some people at a higher risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin screening earlier.
High-risk groups include those with:
Risks
Like all medical procedures, sigmoidoscopy comes with certain risks.
These include:
Bleeding and damage to the colon are the most common complications of sigmoidoscopy.
Bleeding may occur up to two weeks following the procedure.
The practitioner will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the test.
During the Test
A sigmoidoscopy is usually performed at a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
The procedure typically takes about 20 minutes.
If you did not receiveanesthesia, you could even drive yourself home.
Some people experience some discomfort after a sigmoidoscopy, including abdominal cramping orbloating.
Also, if you had a biopsy or polyp removal, you might experience some bleeding from the anus.
If a biopsy is taken, your healthcare provider should have the results within two weeks.
Summary
Sigmoidoscopy is one of several screening options for colorectal cancer.
Screening for this jot down of cancer is recommended for adults ages 45-75.
If you choose sigmoidoscopy for cancer screening, it should be repeated every five years.
A sigmoidoscopy is limited to screening only the lower one-third of the bowel.
This test is usually done without anesthesia in an outpatient surgical center or at a hospital.
A colonoscopy is necessary to screen for cancer or polyps higher in the bowel.
That’s because it can only see part of the colon.
Discuss the different colorectal cancer screening tools with your healthcare provider.
Together, you could determine which timing and tools are best for you.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Flexible sigmoidoscopy.
U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.Colorectal cancer: Screening.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal (colon) cancer: What should I know about screening?
American Cancer Society.Biopsy and cytology tests.
