WHAT IS FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that
enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum
and a portion of the colon (large bowel) by inserting a flexible
tube that is about the thickness of your finger into your
anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and lower part
of the colon.
WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED?
The rectum and lower colon must be completely
empty of waste material for the procedure to be accurate and
complete. Your physician will give you detailed instructions
regarding the cleansing routine to be used. In general, preparation
consists of two enemas prior to the procedure. In some circumstances,
for example, if you have acute diarrhea or colitis, your physician
may advise you to forgo any special preparation before the
examination.
WHAT ABOUT MY CURRENT MEDICATION?
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. However, 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 CAN BE EXPECTED DURING FLEXIBLE
SIGMOIDOSCOPY?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually well tolerated
and rarely causes mush pain. There is often a feeling of pressure,
bloating, or cramping at various times during the procedure.
You will be lying on your left 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is withdrawn, the lining of the intestine is carefully examined.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 5 to 15 minutes.
WHAT IF THE FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
SHOWS SOMETHING ABNORMAL?
If the doctor sees an area that needs evaluation
in greater detail, a biopsy (sample of the colon lining) may
be obtained and submitted to a laboratory for greater analysis.
If polyps (growths from the lining of the colon which vary
in size) 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 "adenomas"
are potentially precancerous. Certain other polyps ("hyperplastic"
by biopsy analysis) 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 after biopsy analysis.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY?
After sigmoidoscopy, the physician will explain
the results to you. You may have some mild cramping or bloating
sensation 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
or the hospital.
WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF
FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY?
