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Center for Digestive Health Troy Gastroenterology about us |
Flexible SigmoidoscopySurgical Centers of Michigan, 4600 Investment Drive, Suite 270, Troy, Michigan Preparation Sheet for Sigmoidoscopy The Dulcolax tablets and the Fleet enemas may be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy. Frequently Asked Questions Understanding Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Your physician has determined that flexible sigmoidoscopy is necessary for further evaluation or treatment of your condition. This page has been prepared to help you understand the procedure. It includes answers to frequently asked questions. Please read it carefully. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to discuss them with the endoscopy nurse or your physician before the examination begins. 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 or 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. Your physician will give you detailed instructions regarding the cleansing routine to be used, In general, preparation consists of one or two enemas prior to procedure, but may include laxatives or dietary modifications. 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 medications? Most medications may as continued as usual. You should inform your physician of all current medications as well as any allergies to medications several days prior to examination. However, drugs such as aspirin or anticoagulants (blood thinners) are examples of medications whose use should be discussed with your physician. 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 slowly through the rectum and colon. As the
instrument is slowly withdrawn, the lining of the intestine is
carefully examined. The procedure usually takes 5-15 minutes What
if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal? If your doctor sees an area that needs evaluation in greater detail, a biopsy (a sample of colon lining) may be obtained and submitted to the 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 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 your have a colonoscopy, (a complete examination o! 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, your physician will explain the results to you. You may have some mild cramping or bloating sensation because of the air that passed into the colon during the examination. This should disappear quickly with the passage of flatus (gas). You should be able to eat and resume your normal activities after leaving the doctor's office or hospital. What are the possible complications of sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy and biopsy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures. Possible complications after flexible sigmoidoscopy are rare. It is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Contact your physician if you notice any of the following symptions: severe abdominal pain, fever and/or chills, rectal bleeding of more than 1/2 cup. It is important to note that rectal bleeding can occur several days after biopsy. CLEAR
LIQUID DIET A "clear liquid" means that you can see through it. It
should not be dark colored (e.g. cola) and it should not have pulp
(e.g. orange or grapefruit juice or any juice that is described as
"with pulp" or with "bits of fruit"). You may NOT have any drinks that are red, blue, or purple. Solid food,
milk and milk products are NOT allowed. CLEAR LIQUIDS INCLUDE:
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