About Proctosigmoidoscopy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with a thin, flexible scope.Provides direct visualization of the rectum and sigmoid colon lining.Can be used for both diagnosis and minor therapeutic interventions (e.g., biopsy, polyp removal).Typically requires less bowel preparation than a full colonoscopy.Procedure is usually quick, often taking 10 to 20 minutes.Performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.liVital for early detection of colorectal conditions, including cancer./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).
- Chronic abdominal pain or cramping, especially in the lower abdomen.
- Suspected inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).
- Evaluation of abnormal findings from other tests (like a fecal occult blood test).
- Follow-up surveillance for a history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
- Investigation of unexplained weight loss or iron-deficiency anemia.
- Screening for colorectal cancer in certain risk groups.
How to prepare
- Your gastroenterologist will provide specific instructions, which may include a clear liquid diet for 24 hours before the procedure.
- You will likely need to take laxatives or use enemas to empty the lower colon.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you take, especially blood thinners (like warfarin, clopidogrel), which may need to be adjusted.
- Discuss any allergies, especially to medications or sedatives.
- You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward if sedation is used.
- Fast (no food or drink) for several hours before the procedure as directed.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor bleeding, especially if a biopsy is taken or a polyp is removed.
- Perforation (a tear in the intestinal wall) is a rare but serious complication.
- Reaction to sedatives or pain medication, such as breathing difficulties or low blood pressure.
- Infection is very uncommon.
- Temporary abdominal discomfort, bloating, or cramping due to air introduced during the procedure.
- Incomplete examination due to poor bowel preparation or anatomical difficulties.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off (usually 30-60 minutes).
- You may experience mild gas, bloating, or cramping, which should resolve quickly.
- You can resume a normal diet immediately unless instructed otherwise.
- Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for the rest of the day if sedation was used.
- Minor spotting or blood-tinged stool can occur after a biopsy; significant bleeding should be reported.
- Your doctor will discuss preliminary findings after the procedure, with biopsy results taking a few days.
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or heavy rectal bleeding.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 0-1 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering proctosigmoidoscopy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for proctosigmoidoscopy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform proctosigmoidoscopy. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for proctosigmoidoscopy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Proctosigmoidoscopy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing proctosigmoidoscopy.
Michael Shah, a 58-year-old retired construction...
Michael Shah, a 58-year-old retired construction manager, had a long history of ulcerative colitis, managed with medication for over a decade. Recently, he experienced a troubling flare-up with increased diarrhea, urgency, and mucus in his stool. His gastroenterologist recommended a proctosigmoidoscopy to assess the current level of inflammation in his rectum and sigmoid colon and to check for any dysplastic changes. As a veteran of previous scopes, Michael was less nervous about the procedure itself but worried about what it might find, potential progression of his disease or pre-cancerous signs. The prep was familiar but still challenging. The procedure confirmed active inflammation but no dysplasia. His medication was adjusted accordingly. Post-procedure, he had some bloating but resumed normal activities within 24 hours. Emotionally, he transitioned from resigned worry to a sense of control and cautious optimism, validated in his vigilance and reassured by the clear plan to manage his chronic condition.
Gastroenterologists for Proctosigmoidoscopy
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform proctosigmoidoscopy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai