Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Texas

Your provider will ask you to get to the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your test so you can fill out the necessary paperwork and get ready for the procedure. You will need to change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter is usually not included in the procedure, as sedation is often unnecessary for this exam. The doctor and staff may connect you to equipment in the exam room to allow them to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen both during and after the test.

After entering the exam room, you will lie down on the stretcher on your left side. The provider will then conduct a rectal exam. After that, they will carefully guide the sigmoidoscope into the rectum, slowly moving it through the sigmoid colon. The scope will inject a small amount of air into the colon to assist the doctor in examining the surroundings of the intestine. The physician can also use the scope to wash and suction out fluid in the colon. Based on the test's findings, they may take the opportunity to conduct additional procedures, including biopsies, managing bleeding, and removing polyps. When the exam is done, the scope will be used to take out most of the air and fluid still left in the intestine. The full exam may take 5 – 15 minutes, depending on the results.

As there is usually no sedative involved in a flexible sigmoidoscopy, most patients are able to leave the endoscopy unit shortly after the test. If you were not sedated, you should be capable of driving and going about your usual business afterward. While the majority of individuals are able to consume food and drinks normally after leaving the test location, you should receive instructions from the staff regarding eating, exercise, and medication after the procedure. The physician and/or nurse will explain the results of the examination to you, and you will be given a typed report to take home. If there was a biopsy, your provider at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants will reach out to you with the results within a week.

Overall, flexible sigmoidoscopy is safe for patients. Fewer than 1 percent of individuals experience complications as a result of the procedure, with most problems not being life-threatening. There is a chance, however, of a development that could result in surgery and hospitalization. A member of the nursing staff will go over a consent form with you before the procedure starts. If you have any questions or concerns, you can discuss them with your provider before starting the exam.

Bleeding is a possibility with biopsies and polyp removal. Bleeding severe enough to require hospitalization or a blood transfusion is unlikely. However, bleeding could happen during the exam or up to two weeks later if a polyp is extracted.

Puncture of perforation of the colon is also a possibility. Your provider may notice this during the procedure, or it may not become evident until later on. In many cases, a puncture could necessitate surgery and hospitalization. This is a rare occurrence, even when polyps have been extracted. It is vitally important that you contact your provider's office right away if you notice symptoms like bleeding, fever, or increased abdominal pain.

As with any other medical test, a sigmoidoscopy is not without flaws. There is a small but recognized risk that signs of disease, including polyps or cancer, may be missed while the exam is being done. You should follow up with your gastroenterologist as directed and tell them about any symptoms you experience following your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns not addressed here, speak with a local provider through Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to request a consultation.