Sigmoidoscopy Diagnostic Procedure

Sigmoidoscopy is one level deeper than a proctoscope. The sigmoid area is the large bowel area and a sigmoidoscopy is done when the doctor wants to examine the bowels. A sigmoidoscopes length is  about 20 inches or 50 centimeters.  That is double the length of a proctoscope.  Because of the length the sigmoidoscope is usually a fibre obtic cable with a camera attached.  Usually sigmoidoscopy is administered by a  gastroenterologist -  A specialist in digestive diseases.

A sigmoidoscopy is administered to patients on an empty stomach. An enema is also administered. To enlarge the canal and provide better viewing air is also introduced via the sigmoidoscope.  In some cases a biopsy may also be done.

The examination is done similar to the anoscopy exam. For men that means lying down on one side with the knees bent and close to the chest. For women it is similar to the gynaecological examination ie lying on the back with knees bent and feet raised in air.