Rigid Sigmoidoscopy when investigating IBS

Rigid Sigmoidoscopy is often used in investigating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. So when your doctor thinks you might have IBS , to help confirm this, he may want to do this test. Rigid sigmoidoscopy in IBS is an endoscopic test (or Irritable Bowel Syndrome camera test)to assess the rectum, or very low part of your large bowel. This is a useful tool to look for any evidence of Colitis (inflamed bowel) that can sometimes mimic Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Other pathologies such as polyps or even cancer can also be observed too. Remember, this test only looks at the rectum, so your doctor may advise more extensive tests of your bowel.

The instrument comprises of a hollow tube (either plastic or metal, usually about 25cms long with an inner tube for insertion through the anus (back passage). It has a light source to illuminate the bowel and a pump to inflate the rectum with air.

To perform the test, you will be asked to lay on your left hand side in the 'foetal' position (legs bent into your tummy).The tube is lubricated with a jelly and passed through the back passage (anus) into the rectum. Air is then introduced to inflate the rectum. The test can be a little bit uncomfortable and may give you a feeling of wanting to open your bowels as it stretches the bowel wall. This wall has nerves in it that normally fire off impulses to the brain when you need to go to the toilet.

Biopsies or samples of tissue can be taken for analysis, although in IBS this will all be normal.

This test has the advantage that a diagnosis can usually be made immediately when you are seen in the clinic and is often done without any specific bowel preparation, although some doctors may advise a suppository or enema beforehand. Any biopsies will need to be sent to the laboratory for analysis so the diagnosis maybe delayed.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Rigid sigmoidoscopy are clearly important to aid diagnosis.


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