Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Ocean Springs, MS

Plan to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours ahead of your flexible sigmoidoscopy. This will allow you adequate time to complete the necessary paperwork and prepare for the exam. You will be told to put on a hospital gown. In most cases, an IV will not be started since sedation is not typically given with this procedure. You may be connected to technology that will allow the staff and provider to monitor your pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen levels, and electrocardiogram during and following the exam.

After you are inside the exam room, you will be asked to lie down on your left side on the procedure table. The provider will perform a rectal exam. The sigmoidoscope will then be slowly placed just inside the rectum. The scope will then be gently advanced through the sigmoid colon. A tiny bit of air is inserted through the scope and into the colon to help the provider see. Any fluid remaining in the colon post-preparation can be washed and suctioned out through the scope. Depending on the test's findings, several things can be performed during the procedure, including the removal of polyps, control of bleeding, and biopsies. After the exam, all possible remaining fluid and air are suctioned out of the colon through the scope. Depending on the findings, the test typically takes 5 – 15 minutes.

Because sedation is not generally necessary, once the procedure is complete, you will be able to change back into your clothes and will be discharged from the endoscopy unit. If sedation is not administered, you'll be permitted to perform your normal activities and drive. Most patients can drink and eat normally after their release from the endoscopy unit; however, you will be provided with individualized instructions related to activity, eating, and medications before discharge. Following the exam, the specialist or nurse will review the procedure's findings with you. You will also be sent home with a written report. You will be notified of any biopsy results in 7 days or less.

In most cases, a sigmoidoscopy is a very safe procedure. Overall, adverse side effects occur in less than 1% of cases. Typically, complications are not life-threatening; still, should a complication occur, it might require surgery and/or hospitalization. Before the exam, the staff will review a consent form with the patient. Should any questions or concerns arise, these should be discussed with the specialist before beginning the procedure.

Bleeding could occur with the removal of polyps and biopsies. To reiterate, a concerning amount of bleeding which might require a blood transfusion or hospitalization is very rare. Still, bleeding can happen at the time of the test or anytime within two weeks after the exam if a polyp is excised.

Puncture or perforation of the colon can take place. This can be noticed at the time of the exam, or it might not become apparent until a short time later. In most cases, a perforation will require hospitalization and surgery. This is an uncommon complication, even if polyps are excised. It is of the utmost importance that the patient contacts the provider's office immediately if symptoms present after the exam, such as growing pain in the abdomen, fever, or bleeding.

As with any test, a sigmoidoscopy is not always without error. There exists a slight, recognized risk that abnormalities, including cancer and polyps, can be missed at the time of the exam. It is essential to maintain check-ups as instructed and make them aware of any new or persistent symptoms. Please contact your Digestive Health Center provider if you have any questions or concerns.