Sigmoidoscopy (Anoscopy, Proctoscopy)

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.