What does the study provide?
Sigmoidoscopy allows you to directly see the mucous membrane of the lower parts of the colon: identify polyps, erosions and ulcers, signs of proctitis and colitis, sources of bleeding and tumors. If necessary, a biopsy is taken during the examination. The method does not require anesthesia and takes 5–10 minutes, but requires preparation - cleansing the intestines with microenemas. The limitation is obvious: only the lower 25–30 cm are examined. If complaints indicate damage to the overlying parts or there is blood in the stool of a patient over 45 years old, a colonoscopy is necessary.
Outpatient proctology
A significant part of proctological problems can be solved by minor interventions that do not require long-term hospitalization: excision of a fissure, removal of a polyp of the anal canal, bougienage for narrowing, cauterization of fimbriae.
What they all have in common is a short turnaround time, local or spinal anesthesia, and a recovery time of 1-3 weeks. Many include one bed day for observation and pain management in the first hours.
Anal fissure
A fissure is a linear defect in the mucous membrane of the anal canal, causing severe pain during defecation and sphincter spasm. Spasm impairs blood supply and interferes with healing - a vicious circle is formed. A fresh crack is treated conservatively, and a chronic one, with scarred edges and a guard tubercle, is excised surgically.
Diagnostics
Sigmoidoscopy allows you to examine the rectum and part of the sigmoid colon to a depth of 25–30 cm. This is a basic endoscopic examination in proctology: it identifies polyps, inflammatory changes, sources of bleeding and tumors of the lower sections.