One of the methods for examining the rectal mucosa is sigmoidoscopy. This examination is carried out using endoscopic equipment consisting of a tube, an eyepiece and a light bulb. A sigmoidoscope is inserted into the anus to a depth of 35 cm, which allows a reliable picture of the state of the sigmoid and rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy: indications and contraindications
A similar 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 are these conditions? These include:
- purulent, mucous and bloody discharge from the anus;
- violation of the stool;
- pain in the navel and anus;
- routine screening for the prevention of latent diseases;
- preventive examination for the presence of neoplasms.
Interestingly, this procedure, in general, has no contraindications. But at the same time, carrying it out is not recommended for those people who have a history of narrowing of the anus, its inflammation. For example, for patients with hemorrhoids, as well as cardiac decompensation, sigmoidoscopy is contraindicated.
Preparing a patient for sigmoidoscopy
What actions should be taken before the procedure? Colon cleansing is a prerequisite for conducting a study such as sigmoidoscopy. What does this mean? The patient should spend several days on a special diet that excludes the use of legumes, vegetables, bread. In the evening on the eve of the procedure and 2 hours immediately before the study, you need to make an enema with water of a certain temperature (38 ° C - the most comfortable). Of course, eating food in the morning before the examination is strictly prohibited!
It is very important to mentally prepare for sigmoidoscopy, since the sensations may not be very pleasant. Nevertheless, with proper relaxation, the procedure is very fast, with minimal discomfort.
Research procedure
Undoubtedly, the patient must imagine how a sigmoidoscopy is performed. What is this procedure? The survey is as follows. A person lies on his side or assumes a knee-elbow position on the couch, having previously exposed the lower body. The doctor inserts a rectoscope tube into his anus and slowly moves it inside.
This method not only solves the issue of visual assessment of the state of the mucosa, but also allows you to perform the necessary tissue fences 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 is not worth talking about. Many complain about the difficult psychological state associated with the research method itself. In addition, one should not forget about pain. Some patients believe that swallowing the probe, that is, gastroscopy, is much easier to tolerate.
But the importance of conducting such a study, which allows you to detect serious diseases, cannot be denied. Thus, the benefits of an unpleasant, but very fast procedure are many.