Help in translating Colonoscopy terminology

[kdlalib]

In my colonoscopy report, it said I have inflammation in the distal sigmoid and proximal rectum. I don't have much Anatomy experience. Does this mean, I have inflammation in the section of sigmoid colon closest to the rectum? Or does it mean I have inflammation in the far part of the sigmoid AND in the close part of the rectum?

 

[DustyKat]

Hi,

It means your inflammation is in the last part of the sigmoid colon and the first part of the rectum, so yes it's in the area where the sigmoid becomes the rectum.

HTH,
Dusty

 

[kdlalib]

Thanks DustyKat! I'm new to the IBD world, so this is like learning a new language. Thanks for your patience and understanding! So, let's see if I understand correctly, I have inflammation both in the last part of my sigmoid colon AND the first part of my rectum. So I have inflammation in my sigmoid colon AND my rectum--two spots. I know I have to wait for the biopsies to get a better idea of what's going on. I'm just impatient, and trying to figure out whether Ulcerative Colitis is still a possibility, which I know has to have rectum involvement, or if it's more apt to be Crohn's.

 

[DustyKat]

Yes, you have inflammation in both anatomical areas but it could be two separate areas or one continuous. If you have two different areas with healthy bowel inbetween then that would indicate Crohns as it is often characterised by skip areas. Ulcerative Colitis shows as continuous inflammation. You still couldn't rule out Crohns if there was only one area affected and it was short in length.

Is that as clear as mud?? :ylol:

Dusty.