flexible sigmoidoscope
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A flexible sigmoidoscope is a specific type of endoscope—a slender, flexible, fiberoptic instrument—designed for the visual examination of the sigmoid colon, which is the final, S-shaped portion of the large intestine just before the rectum.
Usage
The term is used in medical contexts to refer to the physical device used in a diagnostic procedure called flexible sigmoidoscopy. * The doctor used a flexible sigmoidoscope to check for polyps. * During the procedure, a flexible sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum.
Advanced Usage
- The procedure performed with this instrument is called a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- It is often contrasted with a colonoscope, which is a longer endoscope used to examine the entire colon.
Variants and Related Words
- Sigmoidoscope (noun): A more general term for an instrument to examine the sigmoid colon, which can be either rigid or flexible. The "flexible" type is now standard.
- Endoscope (noun): The broader category of instruments for looking inside the body, which includes the flexible sigmoidoscope.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (noun): The name of the medical examination procedure itself.
Synonyms
- Endoscope (for the sigmoid colon)
- Sigmoidoscope (when context implies the flexible type)
Related Phrases
- To perform a flexible sigmoidoscopy: To conduct the examination using this device.
- To insert the scope: A common shorthand in medical settings referring to the act of introducing the flexible sigmoidoscope.
Noun
- an endoscope (a flexible fiberoptic probe) for examining the sigmoid colon