Sigmoidoscopy

Brugsesteenweg

Rumbeke

Torhout

Menen

A sigmoidoscopy is an examination where the gastrointestinal liver doctor looks at the inside of the rectum and the last part of the colon. This uses an endoscope, a flexible tube with glass fibers and a camera that can transmit light and image. No anaesthetic is used for this study. If you do wish to do so, please ask your doctor beforehand.

Aim of the research

With this examination, abnormalities of the rectum and the last part of the colon can be detected. This examination is used to assess the mucosal layer of the colon.

Preparation

No preparations need to be made at home. You do not need to be sober for this study. Just before the examination, a lavement is often administered by the nurse. This removes the stool that is present in the last part of the colon. This way, the gastrointestinal liver doctor can take a good look at the intestinal wall. This is important to assess the severity of the inflammation.

Execution

During the examination, you will lie on your left side. The doctor inserts the endoscope into the rectum via the anus and gradually moves it up into the colon. Together with the doctor, you can take a look at the images of the intestine. Sliding the endoscope into the intestine can sometimes be painful. In general, this research is well tolerated. You may feel the urge to go to the toilet but this is false urges because carbon dioxide (CO2) is blown into the intestine. This is done to better develop the intestine with the aim of visualizing the inner lining of the intestine.
After the examination, there is still time to ask your questions to the doctor.