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Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables the physician to
look at the inside of the large intestine from the rectum through the
last part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending colon.
Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea,
abdominal pain, or constipation. They also use it to look for early
signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. With flexible
sigmoidoscopy, the physician can see bleeding, inflammation, abnormal
growths, and ulcers in the descending colon and rectum. Flexible
sigmoidoscopy is not sufficient to detect polyps or cancer in the
ascending or transverse colon (two-thirds of the colon).
For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining
table. The physician will insert a short, flexible, lighted tube into
your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a
sigmoidoscope. The scope transmits an image of the
inside of the rectum and colon, so the physician can carefully examine
the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into these
organs, which inflates them and helps the physician see better.
If anything unusual is in your rectum or colon, like a polyp or
inflamed tissue, the physician can remove a piece of it using
instruments inserted into the scope. The physician will send that
piece of tissue (biopsy) to the lab for testing.
Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of
sigmoidoscopy. However, such complications are uncommon.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy takes 10 to 20 minutes. During the procedure,
you might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower abdomen. You
will feel better afterward when the air leaves your colon.
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Preparation
The colon and rectum must be completely empty for flexible
sigmoidoscopy to be thorough and safe, so the physician will probably
tell you to drink only clear liquids for 12 to 24 hours beforehand. A
liquid diet means fat-free bouillon or broth, gelatin, strained fruit
juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. The night before
or right before the procedure, you may also be given an enema, which
is a liquid solution that washes out the intestines. Your physician
may give you other special instructions.
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