Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which the inside of the sigmoid colon and the rectum are examined to look for any abnormal growths, lesions, ulcers, colon polyps or any other potentially harmful gastrointestinal conditions. A flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually an outpatient procedure whereby a sigmoidoscope, a small flexible tube with a camera on the end, is inserted through the anus and the inside of the sigmoid colon is examined on a monitor by a doctor. Sedation is not normally needed and it only takes about 20 minutes to a half hour to complete in most cases.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy differs from a colonoscopy in that it is only used to examine the sigmoid colon, the lower third of the colon, and the rectum., which connects the sigmoid colon to the anus. A colonoscopy is used to examine the entire length of the colon and the rectum. In some cases, sigmoidoscopy preparation may also differ from that needed for a colonoscopy procedure.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Prep

Similar to a colonoscopy preparation, the goal of sigmoidoscopy prep is to ensure that the area about to examined is clear of any fecal matter that may block the view of the doctor. This may involve a complete colon and digestive system cleaning process one would go through for a colonoscopy procedure. A special diet, followed by a clear liquid diet on the day before the exam to flush out any and all fecal matter. Being near a bathroom is paramount during this ordeal and this is often more dreaded than the actual procedure. It is also important to avoid liquids that include red, blue or purple dye as this could discolor the lining of the colon and make it harder for your doctor to differentiate areas of concern from normal areas inside the colon.

Some patients might be able to avoid this step and are only required to take a laxative and then have an enema a couple of hours before the sigmoidoscopy procedure to flush out the bowels. Make sure you understand what steps your doctor prescribes for your sigmoidoscopy preparation and follow them to the letter. This will help ensure nothing gets missed during the procedure.

Always inform your doctor of any medication you may be taking prior to the preparation.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Procedure

After you have successfully completed the uncomfortable task of sigmoidoscopy prep, you can begin with the procedure itself. The doctor will position you on your left side and ask you to bring your knees up a little towards your chest. Once you are in the proper position the doctor will lubricate your rectum and begin inserting the sigmoidoscope. Your physician will then carefully guide the sigmoidoscope to the desired areas of your colon and begin their examination on the monitor. The doctor may occasionally reposition the patient in order to improve the view of the scope. They may also insert a small amount of air into the colon for a better view as well.

If any colon polyps are found they can easily be removed with a special tool that slips through the tube of the sigmoidoscope. Likewise, if any lesion or other area of abnormal growth is found the doctor is able to take a biopsy of the tissue so that further analysis can be done. Polyp removal and biopsies are usually painless to the patient.

The entire flexible sigmoidoscopy exam usually takes only a few minutes to complete. If your physician finds numerous colon polyps or anything else that concerns them, they may suggest a more complete examination of the colon such as a colonoscopy.

After the procedure, the patient may feel some bloating or cramping if any air was pumped into the colon during the exam. This is normal. Also there might be some slight bleeding or redness around the anus caused by irritation from the sigmoidoscope.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Risks

As with many endoscopy procedures, there is always a minor risk of tearing of the inner wall during the exam by the scope. If you experience any fever or chills, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, bloody stools or excessive rectal bleeding then you should contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest emergency room.

A sigmoidoscopy can be an invaluable procedure for colon cancer screening. If you are worried about colon cancer and concerned that you may be exhibiting colon cancer symptoms then a sigmoidoscopy is a procedure you may need to consider. Early detection of colon cancer or any disease greatly increases the survival rate and the chances of a successful treatment. Consult your doctor and see if a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a recommended course of action for your digestive and colon health.