Health Information
Sigmoidoscopy (Anoscopy, Proctoscopy)
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Stool in the colon or rectum.
- The structure of the colon, such as a colon that has many turns.
- A Reference barium enema Opens New Window done within a week before sigmoidoscopy.
- You have peritonitis, diverticulitis, toxic megacolon, or you have had recent bowel surgery.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 7, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology |
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