Sigmoidoscopy (Anoscopy, Proctoscopy)

Anoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Proctoscopy

Risks

There is very little risk of complications from having an anoscopy, proctoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy.

• There is a slight chance of piercing the colon (perforation) or causing severe bleeding by damaging the wall of the colon. However, these problems are rare.
• There is also a slight chance of a colon infection (very rare).

Call your health professional immediately if you have:

• Heavy rectal bleeding.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• A fever.

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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
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