Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Illinois

You'll be told to enter the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours before your flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure. This will ensure time to complete all forms and get ready for the procedure. You'll be told to put on a hospital gown. Typically, no IV will be started since, typically, sedation is not needed for this test. You may be hooked up to technology that will help the provider and staff to watch your pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen levels, and electrocardiogram during and following the procedure.

Once in the exam room, you'll be instructed to lie on your left on the bed. The physician will perform an exam of your rectum. The sigmoidoscope will then be slowly positioned into the rectum. The scope will then be gently advanced throughout the sigmoid colon. A tiny amount of air is injected by way of the tube into the colon to assist in the physician's visualization. Any fluid still in the colon after the preparation can be washed and removed via the scope. Depending on the findings of the exam, several things can be performed during the procedure including biopsies, removal of polyps, and procedures to control bleeding. After the exam, all possible remaining fluid and air are suctioned out of the colon by way of the scope. According to the findings, the exam takes approximately 5 – 15 minutes to conduct.

Since sedation is not typically necessary, once the procedure is complete the patient is allowed to put their clothes back on and is discharged from the endoscopy center. Assuming sedation is not administered, you will be released to perform your normal activities as well as drive. The majority of individuals are ready to eat and drink regularly following their release from the endoscopy center, however, unique instructions regarding activity, eating, and medications will be given to you before discharge. After the exam, the nurse and/or doctor will go over the results of the exam with you. You will also go home with a typed report. You will be made aware of any results from biopsies in 7 days or less.

In general, sigmoidoscopy is a very safe test. Complications occur in fewer than 1 percent of patients. Typically, complications are not life-threatening, however, should a complication occur, it can call for surgery and/or hospitalization. Prior to the exam, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the staff. If any questions or concerns come up, these may be discussed with your provider prior to beginning the exam.

Bleeding could occur with the removal of polyps and biopsies. Bleeding which could require hospitalization or a blood transfusion is very unusual. Still, bleeding may happen during the procedure or as long as two weeks post-test in the case that a polyp is removed.

Puncture or perforation of the colon may occur. This can be noticed at the time of the exam, or it may not become apparent until a short time later. In the majority of cases, a puncture will require surgery and hospitalization. This is an uncommon complication, even when polyps are removed. It is very important that the patient contact the provider's office immediately if symptoms occur after the procedure like growing pain in the abdomen, bleeding, or fever.

Just like any other exam, a sigmoidoscopy is not always perfect. There is a slight, recognized risk that abnormalities including cancer and polyps can be overlooked during the procedure. It is of the utmost importance to continue to maintain check-ups with your providers as advised and inform them of any new or recurring symptoms. Please discuss any questions or concerns with GI Alliance of Illinois provider.