What Is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and IRC?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a very similar procedure to that of colonoscopy, but the flexible sigmoidoscopy test can only see the lower portion of the colon, while a colonoscopy can examine the entire colon (large intestine). Most often, sigmoidoscopy is performed as a screening test for colon cancer. However, the procedure can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic procedures are used to diagnose a problem, whereas therapeutic procedures are used to treat a condition. One condition that sigmoidoscopy can be used to treat is hemorrhoids, sometimes in conjunction with infrared coagulation (IRC), which uses infrared light to shrink hemorrhoids.What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in the anus and lower rectum. They can either be internal (inside of the rectum) or external (skin around the anus). It’s estimated that three out of four adults will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lifetime. They can develop during pregnancy, from straining too hard while making a bowel movement, or from heavy lifting, among other things. Often, patients can use over-the-counter medications to treat hemorrhoids, but there are cases where hemorrhoids are more severe, and OTC medications are not effective. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:- Pain
- Anal bleeding
- Swelling around the anus
- Itching or irritation
- Painless bleeding, particularly while having a bowel movement
- Pain
- Irritation