Rigid Sigmoidoscopy

A rigid sigmoidoscope is a steel tube with an illuminating device which can be used to examine the rectum and rectosigmoid junction. The procedure is usually undertaken without sedation and can be uncomfortable.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible video endoscope and can be undertaken after only limited bowel preparation. It allows the distal 60 to 90cm of the bowel to be examined. However full visualisation of the bowel requires colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy involves examination of the whole of the large bowel with a flexible video instrument and can be used to examine the last part of the small bowel. A vigorous bowel preparation is required because it is absolutely essential that the bowel has been fully cleared of faecal material if an accurate examination is to be undertaken. Colonoscopy is usually undertaken with intravenous sedation. A variety of therapeutic procedures can be undertaken during colonoscopy.  This will include the removal of polyps. In the application of heat or metal clipping devices to bleeding lesions, the dilatation of strictures and the insertion of metal stents. Colonoscopy is the most accurately investigation for diagnosing colonic cancer and polyps.

 For a full discussion of the preparation and procedure including videos go to assets/documents/Colonic_polyps.wmv