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Flexible sigmoidoscopyPublished by Bupa's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, August 2007. This factsheet is for people considering having a flexible sigmoidoscopy. A flexible sigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to look inside the rectum and lower part of your bowel. Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So, it's important that you follow your doctor's advice.
What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?This procedure allows your doctor to look inside the rectum and lower part of your bowel using a narrow, flexible, tube-like telescope called a sigmoidoscope. The procedure is used for finding out what is causing symptoms such as changes in bowel habit or rectal pain. It is also used to check for inflammation, early signs of cancer and polyps. During the procedure, your doctor may take one or more biopsies (samples of tissue) for examination in a laboratory. If necessary, it's possible to remove polyps and treat haemorrhoids during the procedure. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is routinely done as an out-patient procedure and does not require an anaesthetic or sedation. What are the alternatives?Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, it may be possible to diagnose your bowel condition using a different test.
Preparing for your procedureIf you normally take medication (eg tablets for blood pressure), continue to take this as usual, unless your doctor specifically tells you not to. If you are unsure about taking your medication, please contact the hospital. For your doctor to see clearly, the bowel needs to be completely empty. To help clear it out you will be asked to:
When you arrive at the hospital, you may be asked to answer some questions about your health and any medicines you are taking. You should tell your doctor or nurse if you are allergic to any medication and whether you suffer from asthma, hayfever or eczema. You may be asked to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure, and have given your permission for it to go ahead. About the procedureThe examination usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. It will feel uncomfortable, but shouldn't be painful. You may be asked to put on a gown that opens at the back. Whilst you are resting on your side, your doctor will gently examine your back passage with a gloved finger and then carefully insert the sigmoidoscope into your rectum. Lubricating jelly will be used to make this as easy as possible. Air is then usually pumped through the tube into the lower bowel to make it expand and the bowel wall easier to see. This may cause stomach cramps and you may get an urge to go to the toilet or pass wind. A camera lens at the end of the sigmoidoscope sends pictures from the inside of your bowel to a TV screen. Your doctor will look at these images. During the procedure, you may be asked to change your position, for example, turning from your side onto your back. This helps your doctor to examine different areas of the bowel more easily. If necessary, your doctor will take a biopsy and/or remove polyps. This is done using special instruments passed inside the sigmoidoscope. What to expect afterwardsWhen you feel ready, you will be able to go home. You can drive if you wish. If you have a biopsy or polyps removed, the results will be ready several days later and will usually be sent in a report to the doctor who requested your test. Other findings may be discussed before you leave the hospital. Once home, it's sensible to take it easy for the rest of the day. Most people feel able to resume normal activities on the following day. What are the risks?Flexible sigmoidoscopy is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure. Side-effectsThese are the unwanted, but mostly temporary effects of a successful procedure. Afterwards, you may feel bloated and have stomach cramps, but these usually clear up quickly. Also you may have a little blood in your faeces. ComplicationsThis is when problems occur during or after the procedure. Most people are not affected. Complications specific to sigmoidoscopy are uncommon, but it's possible to damage or, in very rare cases, perforate the lower bowel or rectum during the procedure. This can lead to bleeding and infection, which may require further surgery or treatment with medicines. Contact the hospital or your GP if you develop any of the symptoms listed below, as these can indicate an infection.
Your doctor will be experienced at performing the procedure, but even so a few are not successfully completed and may need to be repeated. The exact risks will differ for every person, so we have not included statistics here. Ask your doctor to explain how these risks apply to you. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: August 2007. Expected review date: August 2009.
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