Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1896, from sigmoid + -scopy, with connective -o-.
Wiktionary
n. (context medicine English) intestinal examination from anal insertion
WordNet
n. visual examination (with a sigmoidoscope) of the lower third of the colon in a search for polyps [syn: flexible sigmoidoscopy]
Wikipedia
Sigmoidoscopy (from the Greek term for letter " s/ς" + "eidos" + "scopy": namely, to look inside an "s"/"ς"-like object) is the minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon. There are two types of sigmoidoscopy: flexible sigmoidoscopy, which uses a flexible endoscope, and rigid sigmoidoscopy, which uses a rigid device. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally the preferred procedure. A sigmoidoscopy is similar to, but not the same as, a colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid, the most distal part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.
Usage examples of "sigmoidoscopy".
Run: part of the Gastrointestinal work-up, a series of tests, including upper GI series with small bowel follow-through, barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, liver scan, gallbladder series etc.
One male summer complaint found Doggy performing a sigmoidoscopy, that is, an examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon.