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Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
Published on: October 16, 2013
The flexible sigmoidoscope as a potential vector of infectious disease, including suggestions for decontamination of
Abstract:
The flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope has gained widespread acceptance as a diagnostic tool in the detection and diagnosis of colorectal disease. Since its introduction nearly a decade ago, studies have thus far indicated that in the hands of experienced physicians, flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe procedure affording greater patient comfort, greater depth of insertion, and a higher yield of neoplastic lesions than rigid sigmoidoscopy, with surprisingly few associated risks. Although reported infrequently, infection is an acknowledged risk of flexible sigmoidoscopy and other endoscopic procedures. The most efficient means of preventing endoscopy-associated infection is uncompromising aseptic practice. Clinical and experimental data obtained from studies designed to investigate endoscopic transmission of infectious organisms and from our own and others' experiences are reviewed. Guidelines for achieving high-level disinfection of the flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope are included.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...