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Sigmoidoscopy (Anoscopy, Proctoscopy)

 

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How It Feels

An anoscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy examination can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. You may have cramping, a feeling of pressure or bloating, or feel a brief, sharp pain when the scope is moved forward or when air is blown into your colon.

The removal of tissue samples (biopsy) from the colon does not cause discomfort. A local anesthetic is used when a biopsy of the anal area is done. Your anus may be sore for a few days.

You may have mild gas pains and may need to pass some gas after the procedure. Walking may help relieve the gas pains.

If a biopsy was done or a polyp removed, you may have traces of blood in your stool for a few days.

Risks

There is very little risk of complications from having an anoscopy, proctoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy.

  • There is a slight chance of piercing the colon (perforation) or causing severe bleeding by damaging the wall of the colon. However, these problems are rare.
  • There is also a slight chance of a colon infection (very rare).

Call your health professional immediately if you have:

  • Heavy rectal bleeding.
  • Severe abdominal pain.
  • A fever.

Results

Anoscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy tests allow your health professional to look at the inner lining of your anus, rectum, and the lower part of the large intestine (colon).

Your health professional should be able to discuss some of the findings with you immediately after the test. Lab results (such as from a biopsy) may take several days.

Anoscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy
Normal:
  • The lining of the colon appears smooth and pink, with numerous folds.
  • No abnormal growths, pouches, bleeding, or inflammation is present.
Abnormal:

Some of the more common abnormal findings include:

  • Hemorrhoids, which are the most common cause of blood in the stool.
  • Colon polyps  .
  • Cancer in the colon  .
  • A sore (ulcer).
  • Pouches in the wall of the colon (diverticulosis).
  • Redness and swelling of the lining of the colon (colitis).

 

Your health professional will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.

What Affects the Test

Factors that can interfere with your test or the accuracy of the results include:

  • Stool in the colon or rectum.
  • The structure of the colon, such as a colon that has many turns.
  • A barium enema done within a week before sigmoidoscopy.
  • Rectal bleeding.

 

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