Retosigmoidoscopy is an exam indicated to visualize changes or diseases that affect the final portion of the large intestine. For its realization, a tube is introduced through the anus that can be flexible or rigid, with a camera on the tip, capable of detecting lesions, polyps, foci of bleeding or tumors, for example.
Despite being an exam similar to colonoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy differs by visualizing only the rectum and sigmoid colon, corresponding, on average, to the last 30 cm of the intestine. It also does not require complete bowel washing or sedation, as in colonoscopy. Check out what it is for and how to prepare for colonoscopy.
What is it for
Rectosigmoidoscopy is able to assess the mucosa of the final part of the intestine, identifying lesions or any changes in this region. It can be indicated for the following situations:
- Check for the presence of rectal mass or tumor; Track colorectal cancer; Observe the presence of diverticula; Identify and search for the cause of a fulminant colitis. Understand what colitis is and what it can cause; Detect source of bleeding; Observe if there are changes that correlate with changes in bowel habit.
In addition to viewing changes through the camera, during rectosigmoidoscopy it is also possible to perform biopsies so that they can be analyzed in the laboratory and confirmed the change.
How is done
The rectosigmoidoscopy exam can be done on an outpatient basis or in the hospital. The person needs to be lying on a stretcher, on his left side and with his legs flexed.
There is no need for sedation, because although it is uncomfortable, it is not a painful exam. For this, the doctor introduces a device through the anus, called a rectosigmoidoscope, with a diameter of about 1 finger, which can be of 2 different types:
- Rigid, it is a metallic and firm device, which contains a camera at the tip and a light source to observe the path, being able to perform biopsies; Flexible, it is a more modern, adjustable device, which also contains a camera and a light source, but it is more practical, less uncomfortable and is capable of taking photographs of the path, in addition to biopsies.
Both techniques are effective and able to identify and treat changes, and can be chosen according to the doctor's experience or availability at the hospital, for example.
The exam lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, there is no need to be hospitalized and it is already possible to return to work on the same day.
How is the preparation
For rectosigmoidoscopy, fasting or a special diet is not necessary, although it is recommended to eat light food on the day of the exam to avoid feeling sick.
However, it is recommended to clean the end of the large intestine to facilitate the visualization of the exam, introducing a glycerin suppository or a fleet enema, about 4 hours before, and repeating 2 hours before the exam, as will be guided by the doctor.
To perform the fleet enema, it is customary to introduce the medication through the anus and wait for about 10 minutes, or as long as possible without evacuating. Learn how to make the fleet enema at home.
