Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Does bacteremia occur during flexible sigmoidoscopy?

G D Goldman, S A Miller, D S Furman

    The American Journal of Gastroenterology
    |August 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Broadband optical modulation and control at millikelvin temperatures.

    The Review of scientific instruments·2025
    Same author

    Disparities in Demographics and Outcomes Based on Trauma Center Ownership.

    The Journal of surgical research·2022
    Same author

    Efficacy of needleless transcutaneous electroacupuncture in synchronization with breathing for symptomatic idiopathic gastroparesis: A blinded and controlled acute treatment trial.

    Neurogastroenterology and motility·2018
    Same author

    Does a glucose-based hydrogen and methane breath test detect bacterial overgrowth in the jejunum?

    Neurogastroenterology and motility·2018
    Same author

    Relating gastric scintigraphy and symptoms to motility capsule transit and pressure findings in suspected gastroparesis.

    Neurogastroenterology and motility·2017
    Same author

    Colonic immune cells in irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Neurogastroenterology and motility·2017
    Same journal

    Calendar of Courses, Symposiums and Conferences.

    The American journal of gastroenterology·2026
    Same journal

    Molecular Nonendoscopic Tests for the Early Detection of Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma and High-Grade Dysplasia: Promising Progress.

    The American journal of gastroenterology·2026
    Same journal

    ACG Clinical Guideline: Colonic Diverticulitis.

    The American journal of gastroenterology·2026
    Same journal

    Continuing Medical Education Questions: July 2026.

    The American journal of gastroenterology·2026
    Same journal

    Continuing Medical Education Questions: July 2026.

    The American journal of gastroenterology·2026
    Same journal

    2026 CME Information.

    The American journal of gastroenterology·2026
    See all related articles

    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.

    Related Experiment Videos

    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.