¿What is it?
The previous terms written down are synonymous and correspond to the examination of the internal coating (mucous) of the large intestine (colon) more distal, that corresponds to the sigmoid, rectum and anus; by means of an optical device (a small camera) located on a flexible tubular element called VideoSigmoidoscopy that goes through the anus.

¿How it is done?
The patient must completely take off their clothes and only wear a hospital gown, which the inferior part of the body is exposed. The person has to lie down on the left side with the knees doubled towards the thorax.

The Physician exposes the person´s anus and smoothly introduces a gloved lubricated finger in the rectum to expand it and to verify if there is some obstruction as well as confirm that the preparation has been adequate. This procedure is known as "rectal tact". (In men additional information regarding their prostate).

After the digital rectal examination, the videosigmoidoscopy is inserted in an extension approximately 40 to 60 cm, which then smoothly advances through the described segments of the colon. Air is introduced through it to help have better visibility that in some patients have sensations to urgently defecate. The colon mucosa and rectum are examined carefully and, if needed, a biopsy can be obtained to analyze the samples taken under a microscope.


 

¿What preparation is required?
The day in which the appointment is made, the preparation will be explained, which consists of taking some laxatives that will completely clean your intestines of fecal matter. These laxatives are taken approximately 12 hours before the procedure. The type of laxative is different from ingesting, if the patient is older than 55 years of age. All the information will be provided on our Customer Service Line and the patient must inform about the presence of heart, lung or kidney diseases and regarding any other special medications that are being taken.

The warnings regarding medicines are the same ones mentioned in "Upper Digestive Endoscopy" (see above).

The patient will have to sign a Consent Form under the same characteristics shown in "Upper Digestive Endoscopy" (see above).

¿What do you feel during the examination?
If the examination is done while you are “awake” (without sedation) there is a sensation of pressure at the moment of inserting the finger in the "rectal tact" and the videosigmoidoscopy the same as the urgent need to defecate. The air introduced can produce abdominal distension and cramps because of the intestinal dilatation. The biopsies do not cause any discomfort.

If the examination is done under Conscientious Sedation, the previous discomfort usually disappears and some type of discomfort will be resolved when passing gases after finishing the examination.

¿Why do a Rectosigmoidoscopy?
This examination helps to determine:
 

• Colon Cancer
• Causes of diarrhea
• Causes of blood, spots or pus in the stool
• Causes of abdominal pain
• Confirm the findings of other examinations or x-rays
• Diverticulosis
• Intestinal inflammatory disease
• Intestinal obstruction
• Colon Polyps
• Take a biopsy of a tumor
 

¿What can the Rectosigmoidoscopy show me?

The Rectosigmoidoscopy allows the detection of:
 

• Anorectal Abscess
• Cancer
• Diverticulosis
• Intestinal inflammatory disease
• Anal Fissures
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammation or infection (proctitis)
• Intestinal obstruction
• Colorectal polyps

¿What risks are associated with Rectosigmoidoscopy?

There is a slight risk of perforation in the intestine, specially if there is presence of diverticula or if it is tried to force the passage through the narrowness or bending; the risks of the conscientious sedation are the same ones mentioned in Upper Digestive Endoscopy (see above). The general risk of complications is approximately 1 case in every 1,000 people.