Sigmoidoscopy (Anoscopy, Proctoscopy)

Anoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Proctoscopy

What Affects the Test

Factors that can interfere with your test or the accuracy of the results include:

• Stool in the colon or rectum.
• The structure of the colon, such as a colon that has many turns.
• A barium enema done within a week before sigmoidoscopy.
• Rectal bleeding.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 8, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.