A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the lower (distal) part of the gastrointestinal tract, called the colon or large intestine. It is performed by an endoscopist, who is a doctor or other health professional with special training in endoscopic procedures. There are several reasons that flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended, with one of the most common reasons being the need to screen for colon cancer in people older than 50 years.

Colonoscopy allows the physician to examine the entire large intestine, and is preferred to flexible sigmoidoscopy if the entire colon needs to be examined.

REASONS FOR FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY

• As a screening test to detect colon polyps or colon cancer


• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding


• Persistent diarrhea


• After radiation treatment to the pelvis when a patient has lower gastrointestinal symptoms


• Evaluation of the colon in conjunction with a barium enema


• For the medical management of colitis (inflammation of the colon)

PREPARATION

It is important to read these instructions ahead of time and follow them carefully. Call your clinician or the endoscopy unit if you have questions.

Bowel cleaning

The lower part of the colon must be cleaned to permit the endoscopist to see the inside lining of the colon. Specific instruction will be provided, although preparation usually involves consuming a clear liquid diet, laxatives, and use of an enemas shortly before the examination.

Medications

Some medications, such as aspirin products and iron preparations, should be stopped one to two weeks before the examination. Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding after the test, while iron coats the colon, making it difficult to see the lining. People who take a blood thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin®) should consult with their clinician regarding the need to stop taking this medication temporarily.Most medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, and seizure disorders are safe during sigmoidoscopy and can be taken the day of the examination.Medications for diabetes may need to be decreased before the test; patients should talk with their diabetes clinician.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Prior to the sigmoidoscopy, a nurse will ask questions to ensure the patient understands the procedure and the reason it is planned A doctor will review the procedure, including possible complications, and will ask the patient to sign a consent form

The Procedure

Flexible sigmoidoscopy usually takes between five and fifteen minutes. It is performed while the patient lies on their left side with the legs curled up against the chest. The sigmoidoscope, which is approximately the size of one finger, is inserted into the anus and advanced through the rectum, sigmoid colon, and descending colon. The sigmoidoscope has a lens and a light source that permits the endoscopist to look into the scope or at a television monitor.The endoscope allows the endoscopist to take biopsies (small pieces of tissue) and to introduce or withdraw fluid or air. Biopsies do not hurt because the lining of the colon does not sense pain. However, some patients will feel cramping as air is introduced through the scope and as the scope is passed through segments of the colon. The air is needed to permit the endoscopist to advance the scope and see the lining of the colon. It is common to feel embarrassed about releasing air through their rectum, although this is recommended to decrease discomfort. Let the endoscopist know if there is discomfort since air can also be removed through the scope. Because the procedure is brief and discomfort is mild, pain medications or sedation are not routinely used.

COMPLICATIONS

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe procedure and complications are rare.

• Bleeding can occur from biopsies or the removal of polyps, but this is usually minimal and stops quickly or can be controlled.
  
• The scope can cause a tear or hole in the tissue being examined. This is a serious problem that does not occur commonly.

The following symptoms should be reported immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain (not just gas cramps)


• A firm, distended abdomen


• Vomiting


• Fever


• Bleeding greater than a few tablespoons

AFTER FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY