Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Little Rock, AR

You will be instructed to present at the endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure. This is to allow time to fill out all forms and prepare for the exam. You will be instructed to change into a medical gown. In most cases, no IV will be started since sedation is not needed for this procedure. You could be hooked up to equipment that will allow the provider and staff to watch your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level throughout and following the exam.

Once in the exam room, you'll be directed to lie on your left on the stretcher. The physician will carry out an exam of your rectum. The sigmoidoscope will then be carefully inserted just inside the rectum. The scope will be carefully advanced throughout the sigmoid colon. A small amount of air is inserted by way of the tube into the colon to help the physician see. Any fluid still in the colon following the preparation can be washed and suctioned out via the scope. Pending on the results of the test, a number of complications can be taken care of at the time of the exam including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. At the end of the exam, all possible remaining fluid and air are suctioned out of the colon via the scope. Depending on the results, the procedure takes approximately 5 – 15 minutes to complete.

Because sedation is not generally needed, once the procedure is complete the patient is allowed to put their clothes back on and is released from the endoscopy center. Most individuals are able to drink and eat normally after their release from the endoscopy unit, however, unique guidelines in regard to eating, medication, and activities will be provided to the patient in advance of discharge. After the exam, the doctor and/or nurse will go over the results of the exam with you. The patient will also be sent home with a typed report. The patient will be informed of any results from biopsies within one week.

Typically, sigmoidoscopy is an extremely safe test. In all, complications are experienced by less than 1% of patients. Typically, complications are not serious, however, if a complication occurs, it might necessitate surgery and/or hospitalization. Before the procedure, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the nursing staff. In the case that any questions or concerns arise, these may be brought up to and explained by your physician before the procedure.

Bleeding can occur with the removal of polyps and biopsies. Again, significant bleeding which might involve a blood transfusion or hospitalization is extremely unusual. Still, bleeding has been known to happen during the exam or up to two weeks post-test in the event that a polyp is excised.

Perforation or puncture of the large intestine can take place. This may be realized during the procedure, or it may not be apparent until later in the day. In most cases, a puncture will necessitate surgery and hospitalization. This is an uncommon complication, even in the event that polyps are extracted. It is very important that you reach out to the physician's office urgently if symptoms arise after the procedure like worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.

Just like any other procedure, a sigmoidoscopy is not perfect. There is a small, recognized risk that abnormalities including but not limited to cancer and polyps can be missed at the time of the procedure. It is imperative to remain vigilant and to maintain check-ups with your physicians as instructed and make them aware of any new or recurring symptoms. Please discuss it with your GastroArkansas doctor if you have any questions or concerns.