Rectosigmoidescopy is an examination indicated to visualize changes or diseases that affect the final part of the large intestine, for its realization, more than a year, a tube that can be flexible or rigid, with a camera at the tip, capable of detecting lesions, polyps, bleeding areas or tumors, for example, was introduced.
Although it is a test similar to colonoscopy, rectosigmoidescopy differs in that only the rectum and sigmoid colon are visualized, corresponding, on average, to the last 30 cm of intestine; In addition, a complete sedated bowel wash is not necessary, as in colonoscopy.
Learn what to do and how to prepare for colonoscopy
Rectosigmoidoscopy is used to evaluate the lining of the final part of the intestine, to identify lesions and any alterations in this region, can be indicated in the following situations:
Similarly, with rectosigmoidoscopy, if changes can be visualized through the camera, biopsies can also be performed so that they can be analyzed in the lab and diagnose the change.
The rectosigmoidescopy test may be done at an external consultation or in the hospital, the person should be resting on a stretcher on his left side and with his legs bent.
Sedation is not necessary, even if it is uncomfortable, not painful, for its realization the doctor introduces throughout the year a device, called a rectosigmoidoscope, with a diameter of approximately 1 finger, which can be of 2 different types:
Both techniques are effective and can identify and treat changes, and I can also agree with doctor’s advice or hospital availability, for example.
The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, so you wouldn’t need hospitalization and could return to work the same day.
For rectosigmoidoscopy it is not necessary to follow a special diet or diet, while it is recommended to eat light foods during the day to avoid nausea.
However, it is recommended to clean the end of the large intestine to facilitate visualization in the examination, introducing a glycerin suppository, performing an enema 4 hours before and repeating it 2 hours before the examination, according to medical advice.
To perform floating enema, it is recommended to introduce the drug for one year and wait about 10 minutes for as long as possible without evacuating. Find out how to make an enema at home.