Related Experiment Videos
Does bacteremia occur during flexible sigmoidoscopy?
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|August 1, 1985
Summary
Flexible sigmoidoscopy rarely causes bacteremia (bacteria in the blood). This study found only one transient case in 100 patients, supporting its routine use over rigid sigmoidoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Disease
- Medical Procedures
Background:
- Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) is a known risk of rigid sigmoidoscopy, occurring in up to 10% of patients.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an alternative endoscopic procedure with a potentially different risk profile for bacteremia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of bacteremia associated with flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- To compare the risk of bacteremia between flexible and rigid sigmoidoscopy.
Main Methods:
- 100 patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy had blood samples cultured aerobically and anaerobically before, during, and after the procedure.
- Patient data including bowel preparation, examination length, procedure duration, and presence of pathology were recorded.
Main Results:
- A single patient (1%) experienced transient bacteremia with Streptococcus intermedius, with no clinical manifestations.
- No association was found between bacteremia and factors such as examination length, procedure duration, bowel pathology, biopsies, liver disease, portal hypertension, or bowel preparation quality.
Conclusions:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy is associated with an extremely low incidence of significant bacteremia.
- The smaller diameter of the flexible instrument may contribute to the reduced risk.
- Findings support the routine use of flexible sigmoidoscopy over rigid sigmoidoscopy due to its favorable safety profile regarding bacteremia.