Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:
What is a Flexible sigmoidoscopy?
After careful medical assessment, your physician has recommended that you have a flexible sigmoidoscopy. During this procedure, a flexible fiberoptic tube (a sigmoidscope) is passed through the rectum into the lower intestine (sigmoid colon). The doctor will examine the lining of the rectum and the sigmoid colon and identify any abnormalities. A biopsy specimen may be taken for microscopic examination. You will not feel any sensation or discomfort when the biopsy is performed.
What can I expect before this procedure?
Prior to this procedure, you should note that you may receive sedation and therefore may need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. If you are receiving sedation and you do not have someone to drive you home, the procedure can not be performed. The morning of this procedure, you may have a light breakfast. You will need to take two Fleet enemas starting about 30 minutes prior to coming to the Endoscopy Lab (you will take a Fleet enema, expel it, and then repeat the process again).
What can I expect during this procedure?
To begin this procedure, you will lie on your left side with your knees bent or on a special table which can be adjusted so you will be lying in a knee-chest position. The physician will first examine your rectum with a gloved, lubricated finger. Then the physician will insert the lubricated sigmoidscope which will give you a mild sensation of wanting to move your bowels. As the sigmoidscope is carefully advanced through the rectum and sigmoid colon, the doctor will examine the intestinal lining for any abnormalities. You may feel some mild cramping or gas from the air that is introduced during the procedure. You may also notice some mild lower abdominal pressure as the scope is advanced though the lower bowel. These sensations should be completely tolerable and not painful.
What can I expect after this procedure?
Following the procedure, your doctor will discuss the findings with you. You will then receive written instructions to follow when you go home. If you have any questions, please contact a Nurse Clinician.
Related websites and resources:
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
