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 questions patients ask most frequently. 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.

You may also view the patient preparation information: Patient Procedure Instructions

Understanding Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

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 the 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.

Most medications can be continued as usual. You should inform your physician 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 physician. You should alert your doctor if you require antibiotics prior to undergoing dental procedures, since you may need antibiotics prior to sigmoidoscopy as well.

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 As the instrument is withdrawn, the lining of the intestine will be examined. The procedure usually takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

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 area of varying types; certain benign polyps, known as "adenomas," are potentially precancerous. Certain other polyps ("hyperplastic" 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 polyps found, or any small polyp that is adenomatous after biopsy analysis.

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 include a perforation (tear through the bowel wall) and bleeding from the site of the biopsy. Although the 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 symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fevers and chills, or rectal bleeding of more than one-half a cup. It is important to note that rectal bleeding can occur several days after a biopsy.

Because education is an important part of comprehensive medical care, you have been provided with this information to prepare you for this procedure. If you have any questions about your need for flexible sigmoidoscopy, alternative tests, the cost of the procedure, methods of billing, or insurance coverage, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor or doctor's office staff about it. most endoscopists are highly trained specialists and welcome your questions regarding their credentials and training. If you have questions that have not been answered, please discuss them with the endoscopy nurse or your physician before the examination begins.