Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon by inserting a flexible tube approximately as thick as your finger into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and lower part of the colon.
What can be expected during flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. There is often a feeling of pressure, bloating or cramping at various times during the procedure. You will be lying on your side while the sigmoidoscope is advanced through the rectum and colon. As the instrument is withdrawn, the lining of the intestine is carefully examined. The procedure usually takes anywhere from five to 15 minutes.
What about my current medications?
Most medications can be continued as usual. You should inform your physician of all current medications as well as any allergies to medications several days prior to the examination. Drugs such as aspirin or anticoagulants (blood thinners) are examples of medications whose use should be discussed with your physician.
You should alert your doctor if you require antibiotics prior to undergoing dental procedures since you may need antibiotics prior to sigmoidoscopy as well.
What if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal?
If the doctor sees an area that needs evaluation in greater detail, a biopsy may be obtained and submitted to a laboratory for greater analysis. If polyps are found, they can be biopsied, but usually are not removed at the time of the sigmoidoscopy.
Polyps are of varying types. Certain benign polyps known as 44 adenomas are potentially precancerous. Certain other polyps may not require removal. Your doctor will likely request that you have a colonoscopy (a complete examination of the colon) to remove any large polyp that is found, or any small polyp that is adenomatous (consisting of benign tissue) after biopsy analysis.
What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
After sigmoidoscopy, the physician will explain the results to you. You may have mild cramping or bloating because of the air that has been passed into the colon during the examination. This will disappear quickly with the passage of gas. You should be able to eat and resume your normal activities after leaving your doctor's office.
What are possible complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally safe when performed by specially trained, experienced physicians.
Possible complications include perforation (tear through the bowel wall) and bleeding from the site of the biopsy.
Although the complications after flexible sigmoidoscopy are rare, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Contact your physician if you notice any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fevers and chills, or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup. Rectal bleeding can occur even several days after a biopsy.
