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What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy, also known as a bowel scope or flexi sig, is a procedure in which a doctor examines the rectum and a portion of the large bowel using a device known as a sigmoidoscope.

The sigmoidoscope is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera and light source. It is about the thickness of a finger and is inserted into the rectum and then into the bowel.

The camera sends images to a monitor and is also capable of capturing biopsies, which involve removing a small tissue sample for further analysis.

What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed During a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

You might have this test to figure out why you’re experiencing:

  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  • Changes in your poop or pooping habits
  • Lower belly pain or pelvic pain
  • Unexplained weight loss

Or, you might have already had another test (like a blood test, stool test, or imaging test) that suggested something might be wrong. A flexible sigmoidoscopy can help investigate further. It can help with a number of conditions’ diagnosis or investigation, such as:

  • Inflammation in your intestinal lining (colitis or proctitis)
  • Infected pockets in your intestinal lining (diverticulitis)
  • Scar tissue that narrows your intestine (stricture or stenosis)
  • Ulcers in your colon or rectum
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Colorectal polyps (tumours, both benign and cancerous)
Some people also use flexible sigmoidoscopy as part of a colorectal cancer screening.

Procedure of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

During the flexible sigmoidoscopy test, you’ll need to lie on your left side with your knees pulled up towards your chest. The doctor will gently insert the sigmoidoscope into your bowel and pump in some air to help them see the bowel wall more clearly. You might need to change positions to help the camera navigate the bends in your bowel. It is advisable for the lower bowel to be as empty as possible before performing a sigmoidoscopy, so an enema is commonly used to flush the bowel clean. This can be done at home or in the hospital, and if you’re doing it at home, make sure to do it at least two hours before your appointment.

The test might feel a bit uncomfortable, but it only takes 10-15 minutes. You probably won’t need any sedatives or painkillers, but if the doctor sees any abnormal areas, they’ll take some samples (biopsies) for further examination. If they find any polyps, they can remove them and send them to the lab for testing. After the test, you can usually go home right away. You might experience a little bleeding from the back passage, especially if polyps were removed, but this is normal and should clear up on its own within a few days.

What are the Risks of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a very safe test, but like any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. Your doctor will make sure the benefits of having the test outweigh any possible risks. The risks include:

  • Bleeding (most common in people who have polyps removed)
  • Perforation (a hole in the colon)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Death (very rare)

If you experience any of the following symptoms after the test, seek medical attention right away:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Continued bloody bowel movements or bleeding from the anus
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • High temperature
  • Feeling generally unwell
  • Infection

Your nurse will give you assistance in case you have any problems after the test. If you do experience bleeding, your doctor can usually treat it right away. However, in some cases, bleeding may occur up to 2 weeks after the procedure and may require another test (colonoscopy or repeat flexible sigmoidoscopy) to diagnose and treat it. If you have a perforation, you might require surgery.

Cost of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

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Frequently Asked Questions about Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

01. What is flexible sigmoidoscopy used for?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test that checks the lower part of your colon, called the sigmoid colon. It is used to screen for colorectal cancer and to diagnose various gastrointestinal disorders. It is an alternative to a colonoscopy and other tests for imaging the gastrointestinal tract.

02. Is a flexible sigmoidoscopy painful?

During a sigmoidoscopy, you might feel some mild discomfort. When the tube is inserted, you might feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement and experience brief muscle spasms or lower belly pain. Taking deep breaths while the tube is being inserted may help reduce any pain.

03. What not to do before a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

The day before your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you will need to prepare your colon. You should not eat any solid foods the entire day before the procedure. To cleanse your colon, use a bowel preparation that contains magnesium citrate.

04. What foods should you avoid after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

To ensure that the bowel is empty for a thorough examination, it’s important to avoid foods containing small seeds. These include granary or multi-seeded bread, crisp bread, cereals with seeds such as muesli or granola, and fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and tomatoes.

05. Is bleeding following a flexible sigmoidoscopy normal?

Bleeding and perforation are the most common complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy. The majority of bleeding incidents happen to people who have had polyps removed. Bleeding that happens during the flexible sigmoidoscopy can be treated promptly by a doctor. However, delayed bleeding may occur up to 2 weeks after the procedure.

06. What might happen after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

  • After a flexible sigmoidoscopy, you might experience some cramping or bloating in your belly for the first hour.
  • You can resume your normal activities right away following the procedure.
  • You can get back to your regular eating schedule now.
The doctor or nurse will give you written instructions on how to take care of yourself after the procedure and will go over them with you. It’s important to follow these instructions.

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