Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Connecticut

You’ll be instructed to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours ahead of your flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. This will allow for time to fill out all forms and get ready for the procedure. You’ll be directed to change into a medical gown. Usually, an intravenous (IV) catheter will not be started since sedation is not generally given with this test. You may be connected to machines that will allow the provider and staff to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during and after the procedure.

After you are inside the exam room, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the table. The GI provider will perform a rectal exam. The sigmoidoscope will then be slowly placed just inside the rectum. The scope will be carefully advanced through the sigmoid colon. A tiny bit of air is inserted through the tube into the colon to help the provider see. Any liquid remaining in the colon after the preparation can be rinsed and removed by the scope. Pending on the findings of the exam, a number of complications can be done at the time of the procedure, including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. After the procedure, all possible remaining fluid and air are suctioned out of the colon via the scope. Depending on the findings, the test usually takes 5 – 15 minutes to complete.

Since sedation is not typically needed, once the procedure is complete, the patient will be able to change back into their clothes and then be discharged from the endoscopy center. If sedation is not used, you will be released to perform your normal activities and drive. Most patients are free to drink and eat normally following their release from the endoscopy center; however, personalized instructions in regard to eating, medication, and activities will be given to you before discharge. Following the exam, the specialist and/or nurse will review the findings of the procedure with you. You will also go home with a written report. You will be notified of any biopsy results in 7 days or less.

In most cases, sigmoidoscopy is an extremely safe procedure. Overall, complications are seen in less than 1% of patients. Typically, complications are not serious; however, should a complication occur, it might require hospitalization and surgery. Before the exam, a consent form will be discussed with the individual by the staff. In the case that any questions or concerns come up, these may be discussed with your provider before the beginning of the exam.

Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the removal of polyps. Again, significant bleeding, which might require hospitalization or a blood transfusion, is highly unusual. Still, bleeding has been known to happen during the exam or up to two weeks post-exam if a polyp is removed.

Puncture or perforation of the large intestine can occur. This may be found at the time of the procedure, or it may not become obvious until later in the day. In most cases, a perforation will necessitate surgery and hospitalization. This is an uncommon complication, even when polyps are extracted. It is very important that you reach out to your provider’s office right away if symptoms manifest after the procedure, like increasing abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.

Just like any other test, a sigmoidoscopy is not always perfect. There is a small, accepted risk that abnormalities including, but not limited to, cancer and polyps, can be missed during the procedure. It is of the utmost importance to remain vigilant and to maintain check-ups with your providers as advised and make them aware of any new or persistent symptoms. Please speak with your Connecticut GI specialist if you have any questions or concerns.

In most cases, any alternatives to the procedure will depend on the reason for needing the sigmoidoscopy to begin with. There are different x-rays that are able to look at the colon, including a virtual CT scan or a barium enema. However, it is important to note that these methods are only diagnostic exams. Removing any identified anomalies will require a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or surgery. To learn more about flexible sigmoidoscopy in Connecticut or to discuss any alternatives for diagnosing and treating your condition, please connect with our gastroenterology providers.