Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Louisiana

You will be instructed to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy. This is to allow you time to fill out all forms and prep for the exam. You will be directed to put on a medical gown. You might be connected to equipment that will allow the staff and provider to watch your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during and after the procedure.

Once in the exam room, you will be instructed to lie on your left side on the bed. The physician will perform a rectal exam. The sigmoidoscope will then be gently inserted just inside the rectum. The scope will be slowly advanced through the sigmoid colon. A small amount of air is injected by way of the scope into the colon to assist in the physician's visualization. Any liquid remaining in the colon after the preparation can be washed and removed through the scope. The findings during the test can determine if a number of procedures should be completed including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. At the end of the procedure, as much of the air and remaining fluid as possible is suctioned out of the colon by way of the scope. Depending on the findings, the exam usually takes 5 – 15 minutes.

Since anesthesia is not usually required, after the procedure the patient is released from the endoscopy unit. You will be able to perform your normal activities as well as drive. Most individuals are able to eat and drink normally following their release from the endoscopy unit, however, specific guidelines related to eating, medication, and activities will be given to you before discharge. After the exam, the nurse and/or doctor will go over the results of the procedure with you. You will also be sent home with a typed report. The patient will be alerted of any biopsy results in 7 days or less.

In most cases, sigmoidoscopy is a safe procedure. Overall, negative side effects are experienced in fewer than 1% of cases. Most complications are not life-threatening. But, in the event of a complication, it could require hospitalization and surgery. In advance of the procedure, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the staff. If any questions or concerns come up, these should be brought up and explained by your specialist before the procedure.

Bleeding might occur with the removal of polyps and biopsies. Again, significant bleeding which could require hospitalization or a blood transfusion is extremely unusual. However, bleeding can occur at the time of the exam or up to two weeks post-procedure if a polyp is removed.

Perforation or puncture of the large intestine can occur. This may be realized during the procedure, or it might not become obvious until a short time later. In most cases, a perforation will necessitate surgery and hospitalization. This is an unusual complication, even when polyps are excised. It is highly important that the patient contact the physician's office immediately if symptoms become present following the exam such as increasing pain in the abdomen, bleeding, or fever.

Just like any other procedure, a sigmoidoscopy is not flawless. There remains a small, recognized chance that abnormalities including polyps and cancers can be overlooked at the time of the exam. It is of the utmost importance to continue to maintain check-ups with your physicians as advised and make them aware of any new or ongoing symptoms. Please speak with your GastroGroup & Endocenter physician if you have any questions or concerns.