Sigmoidoscopy (Anoscopy, Proctoscopy): How It Feels
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How It Feels
An anoscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy examination can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. You may have cramping, a feeling of pressure or bloating, or feel a brief, sharp pain when the scope is moved forward or when air is blown into your colon.
The removal of tissue samples (biopsy) from the colon does not cause discomfort. A local anesthetic is used when a biopsy of the anal area is done. Your anus may be sore for a few days.
You may have mild gas pains and may need to pass some gas after the procedure. Walking may help relieve the gas pains.
If a biopsy was done or a polyp removed, you may have traces of blood in your stool for a few days.
| Last updated: | May 08, 2007 |
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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