Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Lubbock, TX

You will be instructed to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours before your flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. This will allow you time to complete all forms and prepare you for the exam. You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown. Usually, no IV will be started because sedation is typically not needed for this procedure. You may be connected to sensors that will allow the provider and staff to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level throughout and after the exam.

Once in the exam room, you will be instructed to lie on your left side on the bed. The gastroenterologist will perform a rectal exam. The sigmoidoscope will then be gently inserted just inside the rectum. The scope will then be gently advanced throughout the sigmoid colon. A small bit of air is pushed through the tube into the colon to help the provider see. Any liquid still in the colon following the preparation can be rinsed and suctioned out through the scope. Pending on the results of the test, a few things can be performed during the procedure including removal of polyps, control of bleeding, and biopsies. At the conclusion of the procedure, any air or remaining fluid is suctioned out of the colon via the scope. This procedure typically takes 5 – 15 minutes to conduct.

Because anesthesia is not usually needed, once the procedure is complete the patient is directed to change back into their clothes and is released from the endoscopy center. If sedation is not used, you'll be permitted to drive and resume your usual activities. The majority of people are ready to drink and eat regularly following their discharge from the endoscopy center; however, individualized instructions in regard to activity, eating, and medications will be given to you before discharge. After the exam, the nurse and/or provider will review the results of the exam with you. You will also go home with a written report. Once the biopsy results are ready, you will be notified. Results are typically ready in 7 days or less.

All in all, sigmoidoscopy is a very safe test. Negative side effects occur in less than 1% of patients. Most complications are not life-threatening, however, should a complication occur, it might call for surgery and/or hospitalization. Prior to the exam, a consent form will be discussed with you by the nursing staff. If any concerns or questions arise, they can be discussed with your specialist prior to beginning the exam.

Bleeding may occur with biopsies and the removal of polyps. A concerning amount of bleeding might require a blood transfusion or hospitalization, but is highly uncommon. However, bleeding may happen during the procedure or up to two weeks post procedure if a polyp is excised.

Perforation or puncture of the colon can occur. This could be found at the time of the exam or it may not be apparent until later in the day. In most cases, a puncture will require surgery and hospitalization. This is an uncommon complication, even in the event that polyps are removed. It is extremely important that you contact your provider's office immediately if symptoms manifest following the exam such as increasing pain in the abdomen, fever, or bleeding.

Like any other procedure, a sigmoidoscopy is not always without error. There exists a small, accepted chance that tissue abnormalities including but not limited to cancer and polyps can be overlooked at the time of the procedure. It is vital to remain vigilant and to maintain check-ups with your providers as directed and inform them of any new or persistent symptoms. Please discuss it with your Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates provider should you think of any concerns or questions.