Rectosigmoscopy: what is it, how to prepare, how it goes, indications and contraindications

Rectosigmoscopy is an instrumental method for examining the state of the mucous membrane of the large intestine. When compared with other diagnostic methods, it is the safest, since it has minimal traumatic effect on the intestinal wall, and also allows you to get a reliable clinical picture diseases.

Rectosigmoscopy: what is it?

When carrying out this endoscopic examination, the doctor gets the opportunity to visually examine the condition of the walls of the distal intestine. The procedure is performed using a sigmoidoscope, a long tube that is placed up to 60 cm into the intestine. The movement of the flexible tube is completely controlled by the doctor, focusing on the image displayed on the monitor. A small camera and a lighting device are attached to the sigmoidoscope in advance.

With the help of rectosigmoscopy, it is possible to identify or confirm the presence of any neoplasms on the intestinal walls, in particular, polyps. Also, during the examination, fragments of narrowing of the intestinal walls, the appearance of dilated hemorrhoidal veins are found. If internal bleeding is suspected, a sigmoidoscope can be used to identify the area that bleeds intermittently. Rectosigmoscopy is performed only if indicated. The need for this procedure is determined by the coloproctologist.

Attention! Due to the presence of high-precision eyepieces, the doctor is able to identify the smallest tumors. If necessary, a small piece of tissue is taken for further histological examination. As a result, malignant neoplasms can be detected in the early stages, which improves the prognosis of the disease, and saves the patient's life.

When carrying out rectosigmoscopy, it becomes possible to identify many diseases, pathologies in the structure of the mucous membrane at an early stage, since the following parameters are visualized on the monitor:

1. Shade, tone of the mucous membrane.
2. General condition, relief of the intestinal walls.
3. Elasticity of blood vessels.
4. Any irregularities, including ulcers, areas of erosion, as well as the exit of hemorrhoids.
5. Cracking of the surface, scars from previously healed injuries, the presence of foreign bodies.

Attention! If rectosigmoscopy is performed by a professional specialist, he will be able to identify inflammatory processes, determine the stage of development of the disease. Also, with the help of a visual examination of the mucous membrane, it is possible to determine the functioning of the intestine in order to confirm the preliminary diagnosis.

Possibilities of rectosigmoscopy:

1. Taking a piece of tissue for a biopsy if pathological changes are seen in a specific area of ​​the rectum.
2. Removal of polyps without surgery.
3. Elimination of neoplasms, the size of which does not exceed a few millimeters.

Video - Rectoscope overview

Is rectosigmoscopy performed for hemorrhoids?

The presence of hemorrhoidal cones cannot always be confirmed by visual examination or digital examination. In some cases, the external signs of this disease are located higher, which is why endoscopic examination is used to obtain accurate information about their size and location.

Hemorrhoids are often one of the signs of chronic inflammatory processes in the intestinal mucosa, and may indicate the presence of oncological neoplasms. If hemorrhoids appear in an acute form, rectosigmoscopy is performed only after suppression of the inflammatory process. If this study is urgently needed, local anesthesia is used.

Indications

Rectosigmoscopy is carried out when such violations are detected:

1. Frequent constipation, in which the condition of the digestive system gradually deteriorates. It is important to identify violations in a timely manner if constipation cannot be eliminated by changing the diet, while taking herbal medicines.
2. Frequent stool pathologies, constipation followed by diarrhea.
3. A feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestines after a bowel movement, which occurs several times in a row.
4. Pain, burning, other discomfort in the lower abdomen, manifested in acute or chronic form.
5. The appearance of pus or mucus in the stool.
6. Signs of hemorrhoids.
7. Presumptive diagnosis of the presence of malignant neoplasms or benign tumors in the intestine. Significant weight loss with no obvious predisposing factors.
8. The need for a preventive examination in the presence of a congenital predisposition to cancer.
9. Discharge of blood from the anus.
10. Symptoms of anemia, a decrease in hemoglobin levels, accompanied by constant weakness, disability.
11. The presence of latent blood in the stool.

Benefits of rectosigmoscopy compared to colonoscopy:

1. Minimal trauma, reduced risk of complications such as bleeding, discomfort. Immediately after the procedure, patients have the opportunity to get up and do their usual things.
2. Usually performed without local anesthesia. Exceptions are cases when the intestinal walls are severely inflamed or damaged.
3. The duration of the procedure is from 5 minutes.
4. Easy preparation for the procedure.
5. Allows you to thoroughly examine the lower intestines.

Diseases that can be detected when performing rectosigmoscopy:

1. The presence of malignant neoplasms. You can not only make or confirm a diagnosis, but also take a tissue sample for histological examination.
2. Crohn's disease.
3. Ulcerative colitis.
4. Proctitis.
5. Pathology in the structure of the mucous membrane, the presence of inflammation.
6. Polyposis, formation of cracks, areas of erosion.
7. Congenital or acquired disorders in the structure of the intestine.
8. Haemorrhoids.

Contraindications

The procedure is canceled or postponed due to severe pain syndrome that occurs during inflammatory processes. Diseases for which the doctor may cancel rectosigmoscopy:

1. Deep anal fissures.
2. Narrowing of the lumen in a certain part of the intestine.
3. Severe inflammation of certain organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Peritonitis, critical condition of the patient, the need for immediate medical attention.
5. Paraproctitis in acute form.
6. Bleeding that occurs during an exacerbation of hemorrhoids.

It is advisable to postpone the procedure for several days if the following deviations are found:

1. Severe weakness, fatigue, general negative state of the patient.
2. Exacerbation of diseases of the cardiovascular system or respiratory system.
3. Mental disorders that require the help of a specialist.

Attention! In the presence of acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, drugs are initially prescribed, with the help of which the symptoms of inflammation can be relieved. Then rectosigmoscopy is performed. When performing the procedure under general anesthesia, the presence of an anesthesiologist is essential. Menstruation in women is not a contraindication, however, if possible, the procedure is postponed for several days.

Video - Examination of the large intestine

Preparation for rectosigmoscopy

It is necessary to begin the implementation of preparatory measures 2 days before the procedure. It is important to cleanse the intestines, since not only the accuracy of the diagnostic measure performed, but also the absence of uncomfortable sensations depends on this aspect. In order to properly prepare for this procedure, it is necessary to follow a slag-free diet, as well as to purify the intestines from feces and gases.

Rules for a slag-free diet:

1. Eating foods of plant origin, foods that contain a large amount of fiber.
2. It is necessary to select dishes with a minimum amount of calories, food should be easily digested.
3. Practice fractional meals with small portions. As a result, the food will be properly processed, will benefit the body, and there will be no intestinal blockage.
4. Steam or boil food, avoid prolonged cooking.
5. It is forbidden to combine fermented milk products with fruits.
6. Choose lean meats, do not eat anything fatty.
7. Mix several varieties of cereals at once to make porridge.
8. It is advisable to drink plain water, green tea or herbal infusions. Avoid sugary drinks.

Attention! In order to properly prepare for a rectosigmoscopy, you should avoid foods that provoke fermentation, the formation of a large amount of feces. Avoid smoked and spicy foods, and seasonings should also be temporarily abandoned.

Before performing rectosigmoscopy, it is necessary to cleanse the intestines. Usually an enema is done for this. You can also use laxatives. Fit Microlax, Fortrans. The dosage is determined in prior consultation with your doctor. 3 hours before the procedure, it is advisable to consume 1 tbsp. l. castor oil.

To reduce the risk of complications in the form of bleeding, you must warn your doctor in advance if you are using medicines that help thin the blood. Stop taking such drugs should be no later than 7 days before the time of rectosigmoscopy.

Procedure for the procedure

When performing rectosigmoscopy, the following measures are consistently carried out:

Actions	Features of execution
Consultation with a doctor	The patient should be warned if he is worried about any unpleasant sensations, there are suspicions of complications of chronic diseases.
Finger examination of the rectum	Conducted by a specialist to identify pathologies in the structure of the rectum
Preparing for the procedure	The patient should remove clothing below the waist. If a person is embarrassed, special underwear for endoscopic examinations can be purchased at the pharmacy. An opening is made in the panties for a smooth exploration
The patient lies down on the couch	The person can move to the side or take a knee-elbow position. The exact position is chosen by the doctor. Usually, the patient lies down with an emphasis on bent knees and elbows, since it is in this case that a minimum of discomfort appears during the study
Survey	The sterile tip is lubricated with petroleum jelly, then inserted into the intestine at a distance of up to 60 cm. Based on the data displayed on the monitor, the doctor diagnoses the condition of the mucous membrane, the presence of tumors, foci of pathologically altered tissues

To avoid complications, for example, bleeding, exacerbation of chronic diseases, it is necessary to notify the doctor in advance if there are such risk factors:

1. Early pregnancy.
2. Diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed or there are suspicions of its presence.
3. Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
4. Chronic bronchitis or asthma.
5. Taking medications that the examining doctor does not know about.

What do I need to take with me?

In order not to experience discomfort during the procedure, you must take the following items with you:

1. Disposable slippers, sheet.
2. Warm socks if you're worried about freezing your feet.
3. Medical documentation: policy, test results that you did earlier. It is advisable to discuss the complete list of necessary papers with your doctor in advance.
4. Passport.
5. Wet wipes, toilet paper.
6. Disposable underwear and shoe covers can be purchased at a pharmacy next to the hospital.

Recovery after rectosigmoscopy

Within a few hours after the procedure, patients complain of bloating, cramps. Unpleasant sensations are not very pronounced, thanks to which patients can immediately return to their usual way of life. After the procedure, you do not need to follow a specific diet. It is advisable to give up heavy food, and also not to consume alcoholic beverages within 24 hours after rectosigmoscopy.

Complications can appear only if the procedure is performed incorrectly, which is associated with the unprofessionalism of the doctor. Damage to the intestinal mucosa, infection is expressed by the following symptoms:

1. Increased body temperature.
2. Nausea, vomiting, other digestive problems.
3. Severe abdominal pain.
4. Admixture of blood in the stool.

Attention! If these complications appear, you must consult a doctor or call an ambulance.

Rectosigmoscopy helps to identify any abnormalities in the structure of the intestinal mucosa. With proper preparation for the examination, patients do not experience any discomfort. This type of endoscopic examination is characterized by high information content, minimal risk of complications.