A Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test that uses a narrow, flexible tube with a light and camera on one end, called a sigmoidoscope, to look inside the rectum and a portion of the colon. The tube is inserted through the anus and slowly advanced to the rectum and lower part of the colon, called the sigmoid.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy can your doctor find the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as: -bleeding from your anus -changes in your bowel activity such as diarrhea -pain in your abdomen -unexplained weight loss Doctors widely use flexible sigmoidoscopy as a screening tool for colon polyps and colon and rectal cancer. Screening may find diseases at an early stage, when a doctor has a better chance of curing the disease. Screening for colorectal cancer is usually performed when you each 50 years old.
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-It is often possible to determine the specific cause of symptoms. Conditions such as colitis and diverticulosis can be monitored to determine effectiveness of treatment. Polyps and tumors can be discovered at an early stage.
-Patients may experience some discomfort that comes with this procedure. Sedatives may be taken to help reduce discomfort.
-Patients may experience some bloating after the procedure is done, but that will go away soon enough.
Sedation and pain medications usually aren't necessary during sigmoidoscopies. You will be asked to lie on your left side on the exam table, usually with your knees drawn toward your abdomen. The doctor will insert a sigmoidoscope into your rectum. The sigmoidoscope contains a light and a tube that allows the doctor to inject air into your colon. The air expands the colon, which provides a better view of the colon lining. When the scope is moved or air is introduced, you may feel abdominal cramping or the urge to move your bowels. The sigmoidoscope also contains a tiny video camera at its tip. The camera sends images to an external monitor so that the doctor can study the inside of your colon. The doctor can also insert instruments through the scope to take tissue samples. A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam typically takes about 15 minutes. It may require slightly more time if biopsies are taken. If a polyp is found, your doctor will likely recommend a full colonoscopy to look at your whole colon, as other polyps may be present further up in the colon.
A colon sigmoidoscopy. will require you to empty your colon beforehand to prevent any residue from obscuring the camera view during the procedure. These are the usual procedures that patients follow before the upcoming procedure: 1. Follow a special diet the day before the exam - This includes not eating anything and only drink liquids such as water, drinks without milk and clear beverages. 2. Take a laxative the night before the exam - To help empty your colon 3. Use an enema kit - Either the night before the exam or a few hours before the exam. You will also need to discuss with the doctor about the medications that you are currently taking to determine whether any special changes will need to be made"
After the exam, you may have mild abdominal discomfort. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours as you clear the air from your colon. Walking may help relieve any discomfort. You should be able to return to your usual diet and activities right away. You may also notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement after the exam, which usually isn't cause for alarm. Consult your doctor if you continue to pass blood or blood clots or if you have persistent abdominal pain or a fever of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam poses few risks. Rarely, complications of a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam may include; bleeding from the site where a tissue sample was taken as well as perforations
What will happen if the doctor find something abnormal during a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
If the doctor finds an area in the colon that needs further evaluation, a biopsy can be obtained and sent to the pathology department for examination under a microscope. If a polyp is found, the doctor may remove the polyp at the same time. Polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the colon and the rectum. Most polyps are benign (not cancerous), but some polyps are precancerous. Patients with precancerous polyps are usually asked to return for a colonoscopy after a more vigorous colon cleansing. Colonoscopy is a longer version of flexible sigmoidoscopy where the doctor examines the entire length of the colon.
What's the difference between a sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is more extensive compared to a sigmoidoscopy. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to find and remove polyps in the parts of colon that are beyond the reach of the flexible sigmoidoscope. Removal of all of the precancerous polyps during colonoscopy has been shown to prevent colon cancer.