Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the large intestine. The physician uses a flexible tube about the thickness of a finger to directly look at the lining of the colon or large intestine. The tube is inserted carefully through the anus which is the end of the rectum. Then the physician slowly advances the tube into the lower one-third to one-half of the colon. The procedure is usually done at the physician’s office with video equipment much like a televison. As the physician is carefully examining the lining of the colon, you may also watch the procedure on the screen if you desire.

                              Limit of flexible sigmoidoscope (60 cm) exam

This procedure is done many times as a screening procedure. It is done after stool tests for blood are completed and are found to be negative for blood. It is also done routinely to look for problems in the colon, especially polyps. The procedure is also done for specific problems in persons complaining of diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, rectal pain, rectal bleeding, history of inflammatory bowel disease, or family histories of colon cancer or colon polyps. In these cases it may be used in combination with colon x-ray for more information.

To do the procedure, the rectum and lower colon must be completely empty of stool. Your physician or nurse will give you instructions for the laxative routine to be used for cleansing the colon. In some cases, because of an acute condition such as diarrhea, the physician may advise against any laxative preparation.

Most medications can be continued as usual. However, if you have diabetes and are taking insulin or medicine by mouth for high blood sugar, please check with your physician. He/she may want to adjust the dosage. Some medication may affect the control of bleeding. If you are taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or Coumadin, please notify the physician at least a week before the procedure. These medications may need to be stopped or adjusted. Also, stop iron and iron containing medications one week before your test. Iron will coat the lining of the colon with a dark color. Inform the physician about any medical conditions that may require treatment with antibiotics before the procedure. This may include some heart problems.

The procedure of flexible sigmoidoscopy usually takes five to fifteen minutes. It is usually well tolerated and rarely causes severe pain. You may experience some mild discomfort, feeling of pressure, bloating, cramping, or feeling of having to have a bowel movement. These are all normal. Taking some slow deep breaths during the procedure may be helpful. You will be lying on your left side as the scope is advanced. After advancing as far as necessary, the physician will slowly withdraw the scope, carefully looking for any abnormalities. If the physician sees an area of concern, he/she may choose to biopsy the area. Be assured you will not feel the biopsy. If tissue samples are taken, they are sent to a laboratory to be checked.

After the test, the physician will explain the results to you. If you have tissue samples or biopsies taken, it may take up to two weeks to get the final report. The physician will review the reports. Then he/she or the nurse will the call you the final results. After the procedure you may have some mild cramping or bloating because of air inserted during the test. This will disappear after passing gas. Activity and eating will aid this. Normally you will be able to resume regular activities after leaving the physician’s office.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally safe procedure. Possible complications may include a tear in the bowel wall or bleeding if biopsies are taken. Complications are rare but can happen. It is important for you to recognize early signs of a problem. Contact your physician immediately if you have severe abdominal pain, severe swelling of the abdomen, chills, fever, or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup. A small amount of rectal bleeding may occur after biopsy or polyp removal.

If you are having this test done as a screening procedure, many insurance companies will not cover the cost. Please check with your insurance provider before the date of your procedure regarding coverage. As of January 1, 1998, Medicare does cover the cost. Our business office will answer any questions you have regarding cost of this procedure.

We feel it is important that you understand your medical care. If you have any questions, ask you physician or nurse before your examination. Please call the office at this number 563-557-9111.