Proctosigmoiditis is an inflammatory condition that affects the rectum and the sigmoid colon. The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus. The sigmoid colon is the S-shaped segment of the large intestine that connects the descending colon to the rectum.
More specifically, inflammatory diseases of the large intestine be categorized as follows:
- Proctitis: Inflammation confined within 18 cm of the anal verge, distal to the rectosigmoid junction.
- Proctosigmoiditis: Extending from the rectum into the sigmoid colon.
- Left-sided colitis: Extending from the sigmoid colon to the splenic flexure.
- Extensive colitis: Beyond the splenic flexure
The inflammation in proctosigmoiditis typically involves the mucosal layer of these regions, leading to symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Diagnostic evaluation may include sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to visualize the extent of inflammation and obtain biopsies for histopathological examination
In conclusion, proctosigmoiditis is located in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. It involves inflammation of the mucosal layer in these areas, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. In the context of ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis represents inflammation extending from the rectum into the sigmoid colon.