Definition:
A sigmoidoscopy is a test that provides an inside look at your rectum and the lower part of you colon. A doctor uses a flexible tube (called a sigmoidoscope) that has the ability to snip off polyps.
You can watch on a video monitor as the camera moves through your rectum, through your sigmoid colon, and into your descending colon.
After the sigmoidoscopy, your doctor will probably give you photographs of your colon. Any polyps that were identified will usually be circled on the photographs.
Related Articles: Sources:
A sigmoidoscopy is a test that provides an inside look at your rectum and the lower part of you colon. A doctor uses a flexible tube (called a sigmoidoscope) that has the ability to snip off polyps.
You can watch on a video monitor as the camera moves through your rectum, through your sigmoid colon, and into your descending colon.
After the sigmoidoscopy, your doctor will probably give you photographs of your colon. Any polyps that were identified will usually be circled on the photographs.
Related Articles: Sources:
- Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Sigmoidoscopy. National Cancer Institute. 6 Oct. 2006 [http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=45880].
- Medical Encyclopedia: Sigmoidoscopy. Medline Plus. 8 May 2006. 6 Oct. 2006 [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003885.htm].
- Sigmoidoscopy. A.D.A.M. Healthcare Center. 6 Oct. 2006 [http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/003885.htm].
Also Known As: proctoscopy, proctosigmoidoscopy
