Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic exam involving a slender, pliant hose with a scope attached that is inserted through the rectum and into the lower section of the large intestine. Because of this, it is a limited analysis of a specific portion of the colon. Attached to the scope are a camera and light, which allow the gastroenterologist to check the lining of the colon for abnormalities. There are several reasons for your GI specialist to order a sigmoidoscopy, including:
- Diagnosing the reason for GI issues like:
- Bleeding
- Pain in the abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Unusual x-ray results
- Screening for colon cancer and polyps
If you are suffering from problems related to the symptoms listed above, please request an appointment with Texas Digestive Disease Consults to learn about flexible sigmoidoscopy procedures in Texas.
What is involved in preparing for a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Your local provider will give you instructions on what you need to do to prepare for your flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. Patients will commonly be restricted to only clear liquids the day prior to the procedure. You may have a few different choices for laxatives to help clear out your bowels. It is critical that you adhere to the guidelines laid out for you by your Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider. You will also receive directions on what to do with any medications you are taking. Most patients will be able to take their medications normally. Some patients, especially those with diabetes and those taking blood thinners (like Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatories), will receive specific instructions regarding their medications. Except for most medications, you will be advised not to take anything by mouth after midnight.
What can I expect when I go in for my flexible sigmoidoscopy?
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.
Should I be concerned about my flexible sigmoidoscopy?
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.
What are some alternatives for a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Your options will depend largely on the reason why you need to have the sigmoidoscopy to begin with. These options include various x-rays that are able to examine the intestines, such as a virtual CT scan or barium enema. However, these are just diagnostic tools. If they find any abnormalities, you may need to follow up with a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or surgery. Contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to learn more about alternatives to a flexible sigmoidoscopy in Texas.
Diagnosing GI problems using advanced tools
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a useful procedure for diagnosing the underlying cause of uncomfortable GI ailments like bleeding, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you are troubled by these or other GI symptoms, reach out to a GI specialist through Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. Through our network of board-certified gastroenterology providers, we strive to offer superior, patient-focused care. For more information about scheduling a flexible sigmoidoscopy in Texas or to request a consultation, contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.
Reviews
Dr Gentry has been my gastroenterologist for over 20 years. I have colon cancer in my family so I was concerned about my first colonoscopy. He was so supportive and caring. He helped me overcome my fear. I hope he’ll remain my doctor for many more years to come.
Doctor was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
Dr. Fernandes is the absolute best!! Very professional and caring, great "Bedside" manner.
In Nov 2023, I had my first colonoscopy. Dr. Altug was my physician. She saved my life. She found a 15mm malignant polyp, removed it, sent it to pathology, and I was given the red carpet treatment from Dr. Altug herself, and her entire staff at Bay Area Gastroenterology. I was directed to Texas Oncology and as of just a few short months ago, I am now cancer free. Dr. Altug, her staff, and the medical care team with whom she shared my case, were heads and shoulders above any other medical experience I've ever had. I am a veteran firefighter/EMT. I aspire to treat my patients as well as Dr. Altug, her staff, and the whole HCA system treated me during a terrifying time: with excellent care, patient rapport, streamlined service, and clear, prompt communication. I wish I would have written this review last year, when Dr. Altug personally escorted me to a very soft-lit room, with comfortable seating, and plenty of Kleenex. I knew I was about to hear the, "C" word. Dr. Altug moved with swift and knowledgeable experience and like I said prior, SAVED MY LIFE. And if that weren't enough, here's another kicker for you: I was scheduled for my next colonoscopy with her today. I had to call her office at 4:45 yesterday to cancel due to a kitchen fire in my own home. (Quick little funny: I was 30 minutes out from taking my first dose of the human form of Dran-O, so the fire happened with perfect timing, if perfect structure fire timing exists, that is. I've fought a-lot of fire in my life, but never had to do so whilst simultaneously crapping my pants lol!) I spoke with her staff to notify the clinic I would need to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances (FIRE! lol). The young lady I spoke with was so kind and understanding. Less than 10 minutes later, I received a personal phone call from Dr. Altug herself. I work with A-LOT of doctors in my profession, and Dr. Altug is heads and shoulders above the rest when it comes to class, decorum, patient rapport, listening carefully to her patients, expertise in her specialized field, and GENUINELY caring for her patients as human beings, and not just another procedure on the schedule. When she called me after my kitchen fire yesterday, I was still somewhat in shock over the fire. She was kind, reassuring, sympathetic, and made it very clear there would be no problem in re-scheduling my procedure. I CANNOT recommend her enough, and I certainly don't have the words to describe the feeling I had when she called me PERSONALLY! THAT, my friends, is what TRUE patient care looks like. God bless you all, and God bless the doctors, like Dr. Altug, who haven't been hardened by the system, and truly care for their patients' well being - even when it has nothing to do with the field in which she specializes - such as a kitchen fire at her FIREFIGHTER patient's house. AdditionalIy, would also like to recognize the young woman who called me today to re-schedule my procedure. She was kind, relatable, and very accommodating to my out-of-the norm situation and promptly re-scheduled me for the procedure later this month.
Was a patient for over 10 years. Dr Vesy treated me with incredible care with outstanding results. With many endoscopies and colonoscopies over the years I was able to live a good life. When problems changed Dr Vesy referred me to another specialist to continue treatment that he felt I needed. Today I am doing very well thanks to Dr V vigilant care. You will not find a better Gastroenterologist any where than Dr Vesy. Miss seeing him however still follow him through friends/patients that feel the same way.
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