What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to check the lower colon (sigmoid colon). The procedure is done using a short, flexible tube that has a small camera attached (sigmoidoscope).
The sigmoidoscope is inserted into the anus and passed through the rectum into the sigmoid colon. The camera on the scope sends images to a TV monitor in the exam room.
You may need this exam if you have had changes in your bowel habits, bleeding from your rectum, or pain in your abdomen. You may also need this test if your health care provider wants to check for abnormal growths in your rectum or lower colon.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
- Abdominal pain.
- Bleeding.
- Infection or inflammation in your colon.
- A tear through your rectum or colon (perforation).
- Allergic reactions to medicines.
- Damage to other structures or organs.
What happens before the procedure?
- Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking restrictions.
- Ask
your health care provider about:
- Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
- Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do nottake these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
- Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
- If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.
- You will need to follow a specific diet and use a laxative or an enema before the procedure (bowel prep). This is to clean out your colon. The bowel prep is often done the night before the procedure or the morning of the procedure. Follow instructions exactly as given by your health care provider.
- You may need to have a rectal suppository or enema in the morning before your procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- An IV tube may be inserted into one of your veins.
- You may be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
- You will lie on your side on the exam table. You may be asked to change positions during the procedure.
- The sigmoidoscope will be lubricated and gently inserted into your anus.
- Air will be injected into your colon, and the sigmoidoscope will be moved into your sigmoid colon. You may feel some pressure or cramping.
- Your health care provider will check the monitor for any abnormal findings.
- Your health care provider may take a small piece of tissue to check under a microscope (biopsy).
- The scope will be slowly removed.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
- Do notdrive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Care After
This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, it is common to have:
- Abdominal cramping or pain.
- Bloating.
- A small amount of rectal bleeding if you had a biopsy.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Do notdrive for 24 hours if you received a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have abdominal pain or cramping that gets worse or is not helped with medicine.
- You continue to have small amounts of rectal bleeding after 24 hours.
- You have nausea or vomiting.
- You feel weak or dizzy.
- You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
- You pass large blood clots or see a large amount of blood in the toilet after having a bowel movement.
- You have nausea or vomiting for more than 24 hours after the procedure.
