What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test using a narrow, flexible,
tube-like telescope called a sigmoidoscope which is carefully
inserted into your back passage. It allows your doctor to
look inside your rectum and the lower part of your bowel to help
assess symptoms such as rectal pain or changes in bowel
movements.
It is also used to check for inflammation, early signs of cancer
and polyps and it is also possible to remove polyps and treat
haemorrhoids during the procedure. Your doctor may take
biopsies for examination in a laboratory
What does this involve?
The test usually takes aroung fifteen minutes and although
it will feel uncomfortable there should be no pain.
Your endoscopist will ask you to lie down on your left side in a
comfortable position. Your ohygen levels and heart rate will
be monitired using a finger clip.
Your endoscopist will carefully insert the
sigmoidoscope (flexible ytelescope)
into your back passage using lubricating jelly 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 some 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 for your doctor to
view. You may be asked to change your position to enable your
doctor to examine different areas of the bowel more easily.
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When will I recover?
As you are admitted as a day case, you would normally be able to
go home on the same day although you may feel bloated and have
stomach cramps, these usually clear up quickly.
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What risks should I know about?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a commonly performed and generally
safe procedure however all medical procedures carry an element of
risk.
Specific complications 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.
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Circle care
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is carried out in our specialist unit at
CircleBath where our surgeons have created a centre of
excellence. You can be sure of state of the art facilities
and the best possible care.
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