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2630 Grant Line Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone:
812-945-0145
Fax: 812-949-5435
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The doctors of Gastroenterology of Southern Indiana must often perform
routine procedures for the evaluation and treatment of many digestive tract
problems. The information below is meant as a reference only and should
not be used as diagnostic treatment.
Sigmoidoscopy
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General information
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a short procedure, usually performed in the
office. It is commonly used for evaluation of bleeding from the
rectum, hemorrhoids, and screening for colon cancer.
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Reasons for exam
There are several reasons for a Sigmoidoscopy:
- Preventative--to detect problems at an early stage
- Rectal bleeding
- Persistent diarrhea
- Rectal pain
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Equipment
The flexible endoscope can be directed and moved around the bends in the
lower colon and rectum. An open channel in the scope allows other
instruments to be passed trough it to take tissue samples (biopsies) or
to remove polyps.
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Benefits
The benefit of having a sigmoidoscopy can include the following:
- It is often possible to determine the specific cause of symptoms
- Conditions such as colitis and diverticulosis can be monitored to
determine effectiveness of treatment
- Polyps and tumors can be discovered at an early stage
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Risks & side effects
Bloating and bowel distension are common due to the air inflated into
the bowel. This usually lasts only 30 to 60 minutes. If
biopsies are done or if a polyp is removed, there may be some spotting
of blood; however, this is rarely serious. Other uncommon
risks include a diagnostic error or oversight, or a tear (perforation)
of the wall of the colon which might require surgery. |
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