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. But these problems are rare.
• There is also a slight chance of a colon infection (very rare).

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

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

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 30, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.