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Your search term(s) "flexible sigmoidoscopy " returned 8 results.

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Canadian Credentialing Guidelines for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. 22(2): 115-119. February 2008.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy allows direct visualization of the colonic mucosa, from the rectum to the proximal sigmoid and descending colon. This article reviews the Canadian credentialing guidelines for flexible sigmoidoscopy and is designed to be read along with an accompanying article that outlines the principles of credentialing. The author notes that the credentialing guidelines have been set up by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) and are designed as general reference documents that should be considered during both endoscopic training and when individuals are applying for endoscopic privileges at an institution. The author stresses that the technical skills required to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy safely and effectively must be accompanied by a full understanding of the cognitive aspects of the procedure. The article covers the indications for flexible sigmoidoscopy and the need for training in adequate documentation; technical aspects, including the minimum number of procedures to be completed during training, depth of insertion, success rates, adenoma detection and referral for colonoscopy, therapeutic interventions, and complication rates; training issues, including the use of short courses and simulators; and the performance of flexible sigmoidoscopy by different types of health care professionals, including nurses, physician assistants, non-endoscopist physicians, surgeons, and gastroenterologists. The author concludes that because complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy are very rare, any complication merits investigation. The occurrence of two or more complications in one person’s sigmoidoscopy practice may prompt a review of competence, with the possibility that remedial training may be required. 2 tables. 43 references.

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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. Bethesda, MD: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2008. 6 p.

This fact sheet describes flexible sigmoidoscopy, a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers. The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss. The fact sheet answers common questions about flexible sigmoidoscopy, including the anatomy and function of the sigmoid colon and rectum, the differences between flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, how to prepare for a flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure, and what to expect during and after the procedure. Preparations include one or more enemas that are performed about 2 hours before the procedure to remove all solids from the sigmoid colon. In some cases, the entire gastrointestinal tract must be emptied—similar to the preparation for colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscope transmits a video image from inside the colon to a computer screen. A doctor can biopsy abnormal-looking tissues during a flexible sigmoidoscopy. Polyps can be removed using special tools passed through the sigmoidoscope. If polyps or other abnormal tissues are found, the doctor may suggest examining the rest of the colon with a colonoscopy. A flexible sigmoidoscopy takes about 20 minutes. The fact sheet includes a brief description of current research in this area. Readers are referred to online publications and three resource organizations: the American College of Gastroenterology at 301–263–9000 or www.acg.gi.org, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at 1–866–353–2743 or www.asge.org, and the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at 1–888–964–2001 or www.iffgd.org. The document concludes with a summary of the activities of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 1 figure.

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Suspected Asymptomatic Large Colon Lipoma: Biopsy?. Practical Gastroenterology. 32(3): 35-40. March 2008.

This article presents a case report of a suspected large colon lipoma. The authors note that lipomas are the second most common benign tumors of the colon, after adenomatous polyps. When symptomatic, colon lipomas present with abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. The authors report the case of a 59-year-old female with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia who underwent a routine colonoscopy that showed a 3.5-centimeter lipomatous-appearing polyp in the sigmoid colon. Referral to the gastroenterology clinic resulted in no further treatment until 1 year later when repeat colonoscopy showed the same sized mass. The mass was biopsied and histopathology revealed smooth muscle prominence and fibrovascular tissue. One week later, the patient presented with bright red blood per rectal and mild, crampy abdominal pain; flexible sigmoidoscopy showed a completely obstructing purplish mass in the sigmoid colon with an overlying clot. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a pendunculated soft tissue density consistent with lipoma and a 2.9-centimeter mass in the lumen of the sigmoid colon consistent with hematoma. Conservative management resulted in spontaneous resolution of the bleeding and no symptoms at 1-year follow-up. The authors conclude by reminding readers of the characteristic features of lipoma and by cautioning that biopsy can result in no additional diagnostic hints and may even cause complications such as bleeding or obstruction. 5 figures. 14 references.

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Canadian Credentialing Guidelines for Endoscopic Privileges: An Overview. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. 21(12): 797-801. December 2007.

This article reviews the Canadian credentialing guidelines for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), with reference to diagnostic procedures as well as interventional or therapeutic maneuvers such as polypectomy, dilation, hemostasis, and endoscopic mucosal resection. The authors focus on the issues that are common to all types of endoscopic procedures. The authors note that the credentialing guidelines, set up by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG), are designed as general reference documents that should be considered during both endoscopic training and when individuals are applying for endoscopic privileges at an institution. The article includes a definition of terms, the Canadian credentialing process, appropriate training, proctoring, medicolegal issues, and the responsibilities of the institution. The guidelines are similar to those developed by other national professional bodies and, as such, are based primarily on the application of expert opinion regarding the numbers of procedures required to achieve competence. The authors conclude by reminding readers that the guidelines are not all-encompassing and that some deficiencies in the current process still exist. However, these guidelines may help lead to a greater degree of uniformity in evaluating credentials and granting privileges. 15 references.

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Colonoscopies 101: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask. Digestive Health and Nutrition. 8(1): 18-20. March- April 2006.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. A colonoscopy is used to find and remove fleshy growths in the colon (polyps) before they become cancerous. This article answers common questions about colonoscopy, including the procedure itself, why it may be used, and alternatives. The author notes that, in order for the gastroenterologist to complete the test, the patient’s colon must be entirely empty of stool. Emptying the bowel requires fasting, laxatives, and increased drinking the day before the test. A colonoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure performed under sedation. Patients must arrange transportation after the procedure. The author walks patients through each step of the procedure. A final section describes some alternative screening methods, including virtual colonoscopy, digital rectal exam (DRE), stool blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema with contrast. One sidebar outlines six steps to colorectal cancer prevention; another summarizes the guidelines for colon cancer screening using colonoscopy. 3 references.

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Preventing Colorectal Cancer. Diabetes Self-Management. 23(2): 29-36. March April 2006.

Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer in both men and women. This article helps readers with diabetes understand the strategies they can take to help prevent the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, lower abdominal pain or cramping, fatigue, and vomiting. However, there are no symptoms in the earliest and most treatable stages of colorectal cancer, which is why screening is so important. The author outlines the risk factors for colorectal cancer, including age factors, family history, obesity, and having type 2 diabetes. There is some evidence that high levels of circulating insulin increase the risk of colon cancer. The author considers the influence of diet, noting that although there is much conflicting information, it is clear that following a nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats and saturated fat is likely to be beneficial. Other lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact include stopping smoking and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. One sidebar explains the tests that are used to screen for colorectal cancer, including the fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enemas, and colonoscopy. Another sidebar lists resource organizations through which readers can obtain additional information.

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Preventing Colorectal Cancer. Diabetes Self-Management. 23(2): 29-36. March April 2006.

Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer in both men and women. This article helps readers with diabetes understand the strategies they can take to help prevent the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, lower abdominal pain or cramping, fatigue, and vomiting. However, there are no symptoms in the earliest and most treatable stages of colorectal cancer, which is why screening is so important. The author outlines the risk factors for colorectal cancer, including age factors, family history, obesity, and having type 2 diabetes. There is some evidence that high levels of circulating insulin increase the risk of colon cancer. The author considers the influence of diet, noting that although there is much conflicting information, it is clear that following a nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats and saturated fat is likely to be beneficial. Other lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact include stopping smoking and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. One sidebar explains the tests that are used to screen for colorectal cancer, including the fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enemas, and colonoscopy. Another sidebar lists resource organizations through which readers can obtain additional information.

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Understanding Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. Oak Brook, IL: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2005. 6 p.

This brochure from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) familiarizes readers with flexible sigmoidoscopy, a diagnostic test that examines the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon for abnormalities. After first describing the test itself, the brochure reviews the preparations that a patient should undergo before the test, whether current medications can be continued, what to expect during the test, how long the test will last, what to expect after the test, possible complications, and the use of biopsy in conjunction with the test. One section lists the different types of endoscopy procedures and refers readers to the ASGE website for more information. The brochure concludes with a brief description of the work and contact information for the ASGE.

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