The sigmoidoscopic surgical procedure is a medical intervention that involves the use of a sigmoidoscope for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A sigmoidoscope is a long, flexible tube with a light and camera at its tip, enabling visualization of the sigmoid colon, an S-shaped section of the large intestine. This instrument is slender and typically about 60 centimeters in length.
During the sigmoidoscopic surgical procedure, a healthcare professional carefully inserts the sigmoidoscope into the rectum and advances it through the lower part of the large intestine. This allows for a detailed examination of the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoidoscope’s camera transmits real-time images to a monitor, aiding in the identification of any abnormalities or conditions. These may include inflammation, polyps, tumors, or bleeding.
By visualizing the sigmoid colon directly, this procedure facilitates the collection of tissue samples for biopsy or the removal of polyps through specialized tools inserted alongside the sigmoidoscope. These therapeutic measures can aid in determining the presence of diseases such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Although it is generally a safe procedure, it may cause minimal discomfort or pressure. The sigmoidoscopic surgical procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure while the patient is under mild sedation or local anesthesia. Post-procedure, patients may experience mild bloating, passing gas, or bleeding, which usually resolves within a few hours. In some cases, factors such as excessive bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, or persistent rectal bleeding may warrant contacting a healthcare professional.
