Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your doctor to examine the sigmoid (lower) colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the last one-third of the colon. A colonoscope is the instrument used; it is a long (5-6 feet), thin, flexible tube that has a video camera and a light at the end. Your doctor will insert the scope into the rectum and slowly guide it through the colon until reaching the transverse colon. Images are projected onto a high definition monitor to allow for a detailed examination. Photos can be taken to document findings or abnormalities. The colonoscope is equipped with additional channels through which special equipment can be inserted to perform biopsies or stop bleeding.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is used to detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers and also look for early signs of colorectal cancer. It can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is used to detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers and also look for early signs of colorectal cancer. It can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss.
Your colon must be clean in order for your physician to get the best view possible. The preparation for a Sigmoidoscopy includes up to 24 hours of following a diet consisting of "clear” liquids and may require an enema prior to the procedure.
It is very important that your physician’s instructions be followed carefully. The quality of the preparation can affect the physician’s ability to diagnose any problems.
One of our patient service coordinators will register you for your procedure. Your demographics and insurance information will be reviewed as well as your patient rights, responsibilities and privacy policy.
Patient Rights and Resonsibilities
The various consents which require your signature will be reviewed. You will be asked to change into a gown. A nurse or your physician will review your medical history and current medication use. Updating this information will ensure that we take the best care of you that we can. Please be prepared to review your health history at this time. Bring a list of medications and drug allergies, if necessary.
Sigmoidoscopy generally does not require sedation. You will be awake during the procedure. Occasionally, your doctor may give you some light sedation. The procedure is usually well tolerated and rarely causes discomfort. The inner lining the colon has few nerve endings; therefore, it is unusual to feel pain from the scope moving within the body. Your blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation will be monitored before, during and after the exam.
You will be positioned on your side and the colonoscope will be gently passed through your rectum and into your sigmoid colon until reaching the transverse colon. The physician will put air into your colon to help visualize the lining. The entire procedure will last 10-15 minutes.
You will be monitored in the recovery most patients recover in 30-45 minutes. You may feel bloated or cramping after the procedure because of the air introduced into the colon during the procedure. This is normal and should disappear quickly when you pass gas. You will be able to resume your diet and take your routine medication after you leave the endoscopy center, unless otherwise instructed.
Some results from a Sigmoidoscopy are available immediately after the procedure. Results of any biopsy or tissue samples take approximately 5 days to return. You will meet with your doctor after the procedure and receive preliminary results and specific instructions prior to discharge. Your escort or caretaker is expected to be available to receive these instructions as well and must sign you out of the facility (escort policy
Potential Complications: When performed by a knowledgeable and competent physician, a flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a very low risk procedure. Very rarely (less than 1 in 1000 cases), bleeding or perforation (tearing of the lining of the colon) may occur. Other risks include a reaction to medication, irritation at the site of the injection, or complications related to other medical problems that you may already have.
Although complications after Sigmoidoscopy are uncommon, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Go directly to the emergency room and contact your physician if you notice any of the following:
There are alternatives to gastrointestinal endoscopy: Although gastrointestinal endoscopy is an extremely safe and effective means of examining the gastrointestinal tract, it is not 100 percent accurate in diagnosis. In a small percentage of cases, a failure of diagnosis or misdiagnosis may result. Other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as medical treatment, x-ray and surgery are available. Another option is to choose no diagnostic studies and/or treatment. Your physician will be happy to discuss these options with you.
If you have any questions, please contact your physician.