A rigid sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health of the rectum and lower colon. Patients should prepare by discussing medications and medical conditions with their doctor, using laxatives to wash out the bowels, and wearing loose clothing. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and may involve removing tissue samples. Risks include bowel perforation, bleeding, and colon infections.
A rigid sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that a doctor can use to evaluate the health of a patient’s rectum and lower part of the colon or large intestine. The sigmoidoscope is a tube with a light attached that is inserted into the rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopes are generally used more often, because doctors can see more of the colon, while rigid sigmoidoscopes may still be used occasionally for some people, such as young patients who bleed rectally. Patients may undergo this procedure to determine the causes of inflammation or bleeding. It can allow doctors to see tumors, polyps, and other abnormal growths, and diagnose hemorrhoids and diverticulosis.
To prepare for a rigid sigmoidoscopy, patients should discuss their medications and medical conditions with their doctors, as well as a past history of similar procedures. Any medications that contain iron may need to be stopped for a short time. Your doctor may request that you have stool, urine, or blood tests before rigid sigmoidoscopy. When the procedure is scheduled, patients should arrange for someone else to drive them home from the hospital.
Your doctor can provide specific instructions regarding food consumption before the procedure. Prior to the appointment, patients will need to use laxatives to wash out the bowels and an enema on the morning of rigid sigmoidoscopy. It is recommended that people wear loose, comfortable clothing at the appointment.
Some patients may prefer to be given a sedative to ease any discomfort. Once on the treatment table, the doctor will ask them to lie on their left side with their knees bent. Your doctor will first perform a rectal exam with a gloved finger before inserting the sigmoidoscope. Then, the instrument is slowly moved down the lower colon while the doctor reviews the images. Sometimes, small polyps or tissue samples may be removed for analysis.
A rigid sigmoidoscopy typically takes no more than 15 to 15 minutes. Patients will be asked to remain still for a short time as they recover. Passing the gas can help ease the discomfort.
Before undergoing a rigid sigmoidoscopy, patients should discuss the potential risks with their doctors. Very rarely, a hole can be torn in the intestine, called a bowel perforation, or bleeding can occur if a biopsy or small tissue sample is taken. Colon infections following this procedure are also rare. Patients should inform their doctors immediately if they experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or heavy rectal bleeding. Immediate medical help is needed for those who have a bloody bowel movement, are vomiting with blood or bile, or have severe constipation, as well as those who cannot eat or drink, cannot urinate, or have a hard and tender abdomen.
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