Proctology helps to see the condition of the intestinal tract from the inside. This happens with the help of certain parata and manipulations. What is sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, what is the difference between these procedures, their main purpose and contraindications to them, as well as a number of other questions and problems, this article will highlight. Below you will familiarize yourself with all the information you need to have before undergoing endoscopic examinations of this kind.
What is a colonoscopy?
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy - what is the difference between these procedures? The second provides the medical professional with the opportunity to study the structure of the colon of the human body. All studies are carried out in a specialized office with
endoscopic equipment. All manipulations are carried out by introducing a probe, which in size does not exceed the thickness of the index finger. It is necessary to achieve penetration of such into the anus of the human body, and then push it into the lumen of the
large intestine.People who believe that sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are the same thing are deeply mistaken, since the first of the above implies a technique for examining the condition of the rectum and sigmoid colon using a sigmoidoscope. Already at this stage, the differences in methods are visible. They are in different endoscopic devices. The difference between colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy also lies in the manifestation of symptoms of diagnosed diseases and indications for research.
What is a sigmoidoscopy?
This diagnostic method has been used in medicine for a long time. Sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the rectum, and with its help, an examination of the inner surface of the distal sigmoid colon occurs. This type of diagnosis is carried out using a special device that is inserted into the anus.
In proctology, it is almost impossible to do without this method, since there is a visual assessment of the inner surface of the examined parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Such methods are important in this branch of medicine, since the doctor does not see the majority of tissues without certain apparatuses and methods of research. A sigmoidoscope helps to assess the condition of organs to a level of 35 cm from the anus.
The main indications for sigmoidoscopy
The main prerequisites for undergoing this procedure are regular pain in the anus, cramping and aching pains in the entire lower part of the peritoneum, blood and mucous discharge from the anus, frequent changes in constipation and diarrhea, transferred diseases of the rectum or a chronicle of this section of the human body. Often sigmoidoscopy is performed in order to prevent, in order to prevent the development of serious diseases. Numerous inflammations and the smallest tumors are diagnosed with the help of such research methods.
Are there any contraindications to this procedure?
There were no significant contraindications for sigmoidoscopy. It does not do any harm to the body, so it is possible to carry out it even without proper recommendations for that if the patient wishes. Among the contraindications, it is insignificant that acute inflammation in the anus and the diseases caused by them can be distinguished. With pathologies such as an acute attack of paraproctitis or thrombosis of hemorrhoidal nodes, it is easier to undergo an examination after the symptoms are relieved and the inflammation subsides. Also contraindications are all kinds of tumors of the anus and chemical, mechanical and thermal damage to the hindgut. However, all of the above diseases and symptoms in case of urgent need for examination still can not interfere with endoscopic procedures.
Basic conditions for preparing for the procedure
The basis for this procedure is colon cleansing. This happens through a low-slag diet. It consists in the fact that a person needs to exclude legumes, whole grain bread, fruits and fresh vegetables from the diet, which can cause fermentation. The use of cabbage, apples, plums, greens, bananas, carrots, oranges and other products is contraindicated on the eve of the study. But a person cannot walk hungry for 24 hours, so dietary food is allowed: rice porridge, you can use semolina, low-fat meat broth, fish, and cottage cheese.
All manipulations are performed on an empty stomach. The main condition before the procedure is also to cleanse the intestines with the help of enemas or laxatives. Immediately before the introduction of the probe, an inspection of the hole is performed.
How is a sigmoidoscopy procedure performed?
Sigmoidoscopy is performed when the patient is in the knee-thoracic position. If the patient undergoes severe pain, the examination procedure is carried out under anesthesia. The severity and degree of anesthesia is chosen in accordance with the pain of the patient. An anoscope is a special device for manipulating the method - it is inserted into the anus of a person’s body in circular motions, and after doing the examination it is just as easily removed. Thus, the
anus of a person expands, after which a rectoscope is inserted into the same place and the walls and the entire internal part of the intestine are examined in detail. During the examination, you can take various histological material.
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy have differences in the instruments, due to which manipulation is carried out.
What is the intestine examined during colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy as a method of examination of the intestine is carried out directly in determining the disease, which has already made itself felt in the form of diarrhea, bleeding or constipation. Colonoscopy examines the mucosa of the colon and its possible inflammation, as well as changes in the structure. As a prophylaxis, colonoscopy should be performed for people who have reached the age of 50 and have a hereditary predisposition to diseases of the large intestine.
Asking the question of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy - which is better, it is necessary to first determine the purpose and reasons for the study.
Colonoscopy sensations of a person
Typically, with a colonoscopy, the patient does not experience pain and discomfort. However, a feeling of fullness and excessive pressure may be present in the area up the peritoneum. This procedure is performed in the position of the patient lying on the left side or back and easier to pass when the patient is relaxing.
Answering the question "Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy - what is the difference?", It should be noted that now their difference also lies in the patient’s accepted position during the procedure.
Possible complications with this procedure
Complications with this procedure are a very rare occurrence. In the case of the correct preparation of all the necessary devices for the procedure, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy proceed smoothly. The difference between these methods nevertheless exists even in possible complications. Sigmoidoscopy is almost perfect if it is performed by an experienced specialist. It is important not to exert too much force in it.
Colonoscopy is slightly different from the previous method, as more cases of complications have been noticed. In 400-500 studies, one perforation or bleeding was observed. Such situations do not arise from scratch. Complications usually occur in people who have inflammation of the intestinal wall in diseases such as nonspecific colitis, diverticula, and fusion of intestinal loops. There are such cases in studies when the doctor pushes the tip of the apparatus slightly, trying to overcome the place of narrowing of the intestine. Then the inflamed tissue can erupt (perforation). In such situations, anesthesia is urgently needed, since a person cannot calmly respond to the pain that has arisen. It is so intense that there may be signs of pain shock.
How to prepare for the examination?
Preparation for procedures such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy (the differences between which will still be determined) are the same. Bowel cleansing occurs with an enema or with the use of light laxatives. Also in this case, the reception of a large amount of liquid is shown.
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy of the intestine are very painless and safe procedures for examining the walls of the colon in order to detect diseases of its mucosa, pathological inflammation and neoplasms on the surface. It is necessary to strictly adhere to all the recommendations of your attending specialist, carefully prepare for these procedures, and after identifying possible causes of a health problem, undergo treatment and continue to monitor your health.
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy - which is more painful, and which is more informative?
Often patients ask what difference there is between these two methods of research, which of them is less painful. This question cannot be answered unambiguously, since the objectives of these procedures differ. It can be said that sigmoidoscopy helps to study a smaller area of human tissue, and colonoscopy provides a great opportunity to review the condition of the intestine from the inside.
So, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy - what is the difference? The first procedure gives less information about the condition of the intestinal wall. It brings less discomfort to a person, that is, anesthesia is not required when carrying it out. The second manipulation most often takes place with the help of painkillers, since the tube is inserted deeper. She is also more informative. Its advantages over sigmoidoscopy are as follows:
- miniature video camera that allows you to clearly see the mucous membrane of the colon;
- the ability to diagnose complex diseases in the early stages;
- the doctor may remove a piece of tissue from the mucous membrane for biopsy;
- if coagulation of bleeding is necessary, with the help of this manipulation it can be carried out without any problems.