Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Dallas, TX

You will be directed to enter the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. This is to allow you adequate time to complete all forms and prepare for the procedure. You'll be told to change into a medical gown. The majority of the time, an intravenous (IV) catheter will not be started since, in general, sedation is not given with this procedure. You may be connected to equipment that will allow the staff and provider to watch your oxygen levels, heart rate, electrocardiogram, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure throughout the procedure and for a period of time afterward.

Once in the exam room, you'll be directed to lie down on your left side on the exam table. The gastroenterologist will perform an exam of your rectum. The sigmoidoscope will then be slowly inserted just inside the rectum. The scope will be slowly advanced through the sigmoid colon. A tiny amount of air is inserted by way of the scope into the colon to assist in the physician's visualization. Any fluid remaining in the colon post preparation can be washed and removed by the scope. Depending on the results of the exam, a number of complications can be taken care of at the time of the exam including removal of polyps, control of bleeding, and biopsies. At the conclusion of the exam, all possible remaining fluid and air are suctioned out of the colon by way of the scope. Depending on the results, the exam typically takes 5 – 15 minutes.

Since anesthesia is not generally required, after the procedure is finished, the patient is told to change back into their clothes and is discharged from the endoscopy center. Assuming sedation is not needed, you'll be permitted to drive and perform your usual activities. The majority of patients are able to eat and drink normally following their release from the endoscopy unit, however, individualized instructions in regard to activity, eating, and medications will be given to you before discharge. Following the exam, the doctor and/or nurse will go over the results of the exam with you. The patient will also go home with a written report. You will be informed of any results from biopsies in 7 days or less by your Digestive Health Associates of Texas provider.

In general, sigmoidoscopy is a very safe test. All in all, negative side effects are experienced by fewer than 1% of patients. Most of the time, complications are not life-threatening, still, in the rare event of a complication, hospitalization and surgery might be required. Before the exam, a consent form will be reviewed with the individual by the staff. Should any questions or concerns come up, these may be brought up and explained by your provider before the procedure.

Bleeding could occur with the removal of polyps and biopsies. To reiterate, significant bleeding which might necessitate a blood transfusion or hospitalization is extremely uncommon. Still, bleeding may occur at the time of the procedure or up to two weeks after the procedure in the case that a polyp is removed.

Perforation or puncture of the colon may occur. This can be recognized at the time of the exam, or it may not be obvious until a short time later. In the majority of cases, a puncture will necessitate hospitalization and surgery. This is an unusual complication, even in the event that polyps are excised. It is of the utmost importance that you inform your provider's office immediately if symptoms arise following the exam like growing abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.

As with any other test, a sigmoidoscopy is not always without error. There exists a slight, accepted chance that abnormalities including cancer and polyps can be missed during the exam. It is important to continue to follow up with your providers as directed and inform them of any new or ongoing symptoms. Please consult with your Digestive Health Associates of Texas provider should you think of any concerns or questions.