Anatomical extent of fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy

Gastroenterology. 1983 Apr;84(4):803-8.

Abstract

The anatomical extent of fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy was determined by placing a clip on the colonic mucosa and subsequently locating the clip on barium enema. A 60 cm exam viewed the entire sigmoid colon in 81% of patients. Exams of 50-55 cm, 40-45 cm, and 30-35 cm extent viewed the entire sigmoid colon in 68%, 27%, and 13%, respectively. The 50-55 cm and 60 cm exams collectively viewed 90% and 95% of the sigmoid colon surface, respectively. The 30-35 cm and 40-45 cm exams collectively viewed 53% and 70% of the sigmoid colon surface respectively. The anatomical extent of fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy clearly exceeds that of rigid sigmoidoscopy. These data help to define the diagnostic potential of fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Barium Sulfate
  • Colon, Sigmoid / anatomy & histology*
  • Colon, Sigmoid / diagnostic imaging
  • Enema
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Sigmoidoscopes
  • Sigmoidoscopy* / methods

Substances

  • Barium Sulfate