Sigmoidoscopy Lab Report

Labs and Diagnostics
Colonoscopy
This test allows direct visualization of the small bowel, rectum, and colon. It is recommended for patients who have experienced fecal occult blood or obvious blood in the stool. It is also recommended for patients who have experienced a change in bowel habits or are experiencing abdominal pain. In patients who have had colorectal cancer, polyposis, or inflammatory bowel disease it is used to observe for continued progression of their condition.
During the procedure a fiber optic scope is inserted through the rectum and the entire colon from the anus to the cecum can be visualized. Mucosal inflammation, polyps, hemorrhages, benign and malignant neoplasms,
It is considered a routine screening for people over 50 as a colorectal cancer screening. I allows visualization of the sigmoid colon and the rectum.
An endoscopy of the lower GI tract allows visualization of the tract as well as biopsies of tumors, polyps, hemorrhoids and various ulcers of this portion of the GI tract. Polyps may also be removed during the procedure with a device called a snare that slices circumferentially through and cauterizes the polyp location. The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic, operating room, GI laboratory, or at the patient’s bedside in about 15 to 20 minutes using a rigid 25 cm or flexible 60 cm sigmoidoscope.
Fecal occult blood test
This test is used to detect abnormal amount of blood in the patient’s stool. As little as 5 mL per day can be detected. The patient should be instructed to refrain from eating red meat for at least 3 days prior to the test. The patient should be instructed to refrain from drugs that can interfere with OB testing and to not mix any urine with the
On the day of the procedure patient confirmation, vital signs, and an EKG are taken. The physician will explain the procedure to the patient and informed consent is acquired from the patient. The anesthesiologist will assess the patient and inquire about the patient’s ability to undergo anesthesia. In the room where the procedure will take place, OR or GI suite, a pre-procedure time out is done to identify the patient, procedure, time and date, and that all relevant documents, information and equipment are available. The doctor, nurses, anesthetist, and anyone observing will be documented. The patient’s vital signs will of course be monitored during the procedure to detect decreasing cardiac function and the need to resuscitate or discontinue the procedure. Post procedure the patient is monitored for recovery from anesthesia and potential bleeding due to injury to the colon during the procedure. (Lemone, Bauldoff, & Burke,