FAQs on Sigmoidoscopy

Q- What Is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

Ans- Lower Gi Endoscopy Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your doctor 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 the 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. In general, preparation consists of one or

 two enemas prior to the procedure but may include laxatives or dietary modifications.

What about my current medications?

• Most medications can be continued as usual. You should inform your doctor 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 doctor.

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 As the instrument is withdrawn, the lining of the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 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 ("hyper plastic" 

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 doctor 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 the hospital.

What are possible complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Possible complications after flexible sigmoidoscopy are rare but few complications may occur—

• Severe abdominal pain,
• Fevers and chills, or
• Rectal bleeding .It is important to note that rectal bleeding can occur even several days after 
• the biopsy.