What can a flexible sigmoidoscopy find?

What can a flexible sigmoidoscopy find?

Your doctor may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam to:

• Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms. A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam can help your doctor explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
• Screen for colon cancer.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

The difference between the two tests is the part of the colon they allow the doctor to see. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive, because it only looks at the lower part of your colon. A colonoscopy looks at the entire large intestine.

Should I be worried about a sigmoidoscopy?

The most serious risk is the endoscope damaging your colon during the test. This can cause an infection, bleeding or a perforation (tear) of the lining of the bowel. If this happens, your abdomen may become painful and bloated and you may need medicine or surgery to treat the problem.

How will I feel after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Most people feel back to normal after 24 hours. After your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you may feel some discomfort from trapped air. This should settle down within a few hours. To help pass the wind, we suggest, if possible, that you walk around, drink warm drinks or peppermint water or that you eat some peppermints.

How bad is a sigmoidoscopy?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally not painful, though may be mildly uncomfortable. There might be a slight pinch if the doctor removes tissue for biopsy. Most people will be able to resume normal diet and activities immediately after the procedure.

How painful is flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Is flexible sigmoidoscopy safer than colonoscopy?

Sigmoidoscopy is less invasive than colonoscopy and carries a lower risk of the colon being perforated, which may make it more acceptable as a screening test to some patients,” said Barnett Kramer, M.D., director of NCI’s Division of Cancer Prevention.

Is it normal to have diarrhea after a sigmoidoscopy?

Side effects of this procedure are usually minimal. Sometimes patients may experience abdominal pain due to air introduced into the colon. Also it is not unusual to experience some diarrhoea for a couple of days post procedure until the bowel returns to its normal function.

How long does a flex sigmoidoscopy take?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes and may be performed in your doctor’s office. A: Position of the sigmoidoscope in the colon; B: endoscopic view; C: detail of the colonoscope tip.

Should I have sedation for flexible sigmoidoscopy?

It can be done by a specially trained doctor or nurse. You don’t usually need to have an anaesthetic or sedative for a flexible sigmoidoscopy. Although the procedure can be uncomfortable at first, it isn’t usually painful. You can choose to have a sedative if you’d like to.

Can a sigmoidoscopy detect diverticulitis?

Thus, there is no indication for routine sigmoidoscopy in the setting of acute colonic diverticulitis. When an endoscopic procedure is warranted as described in question 1, total colonoscopy after standard bowel preparation should be the procedure of choice.

Can you drink water before a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

It is important to increase your intake of clear fluids on the day before your flexible sigmoidoscopy. You may drink clear fluids up to 2 hours before your procedure.