One of the methods of examination of the rectal mucosa is sigmoidoscopy. This examination is carried out using endoscopic equipment, consisting of a tube, an eyepiece and a light bulb. The sigmoidoscope is inserted into the anus to a depth of 35 cm, which allows you to create a reliable picture of the state of the sigmoid and rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy: indications and contraindications
Such a study is recommended to prevent the development of relevant diseases. But there are also a number of symptoms that require the mandatory use of a method such as sigmoidoscopy. What could these states be? These include:
- purulent, mucous and bloody discharge from the anus;
- breaking stool;
- pain in the navel and anus;
- scheduled screening for the prevention of hidden diseases;
- preventive examination for neoplasms.
It is interesting that this procedure, in general, has no contraindications. But at the same time holdingit is not recommended for those people who have a history of narrowing of the anus, its inflammation. For example, patients with hemorrhoids, as well as cardiac decompensation, sigmoidoscopy is contraindicated.
Preparing the patient for sigmoidoscopy
What steps should I take before the procedure? Colon cleansing is a prerequisite for conducting such a study as sigmoidoscopy. What does this mean? The patient must spend several days on a special diet that excludes the use of legumes, vegetables, bread. On the evening before the procedure and 2 hours immediately before the examination, you need to do an enema with water of a certain temperature (38oC - the most comfortable). Of course, eating in the morning before the examination is strictly prohibited!
It is very important to mentally prepare for sigmoidoscopy, as the sensations may not be very pleasant. However, with proper relaxation, the procedure goes very quickly, with minimal discomfort.
Research procedure
Undoubtedly, the patient must imagine how sigmoidoscopy is performed. What is the procedure? The survey proceeds as follows. A person lies on his side or takes a knee-elbow position on the couch, after exposing the lower part of the body. The doctor inserts a proctoscope tube into his anus and slowly pushes it inside.
This method not only solves the issue of visual evaluationcondition of the mucosa, but also allows you to perform the necessary tissue sampling for subsequent biopsy.
Of course, the opinion of people who have experienced such a procedure as sigmoidoscopy is very interesting. That this is not the most pleasant event, it is not worth saying. Many complain about the difficult psychological state associated with the research method itself. In addition, we must not forget about pain. Some patients find swallowing a tube, i.e. gastroscopy, much easier.
But one cannot deny the importance of conducting such a study, which allows you to detect serious diseases. Thus, the benefits of an unpleasant but very quick procedure are many.
