Examination of the RECTUM and sigmoid COLON (see also INTESTINE) with an endoscopic viewing device called a sigmoidoscope (see also ENDOSCOPE). The procedure is done to investigate rectal bleeding or persistent diarrhoea, with the aim of detecting or excluding cancer of the rectum and COLITIS. Sigmoidoscopy, which nowadays is performed with a ?exible instrument, can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.... sigmoidoscopy
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