Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Kansas City, MO

You will be asked to enter the endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure. This will ensure you have time to fill out paperwork and prep for the exam. You'll be instructed to change into a hospital gown. In most cases, no IV will be started because sedation is not usually administered for this procedure. You may be connected to equipment that will help the provider and staff to monitor your oxygen levels, heart rate, electrocardiogram, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure throughout and after the procedure.

After you are inside the exam room, you'll be instructed to lie down on your left side on the bed. The gastroenterologist will perform an exam of your rectum. The sigmoidoscope will then be carefully placed just inside the rectum. The scope will be slowly advanced throughout the sigmoid colon. A tiny amount of air is injected through the scope into the colon to help the physician see. Any fluid still in the colon post-preparation can be washed and suctioned out via the scope. Depending on the results of the exam, a number of things can be done during the exam, including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. At the conclusion of the procedure, as much of the air and remaining fluid as possible is suctioned out of the colon through the scope. Depending on the results, the test usually takes 5 – 15 minutes to conduct.

Because anesthesia is not typically used, once the procedure is complete you will be asked to change back into your clothes and are released from the endoscopy unit. If sedation is not utilized, you will be released to drive and perform your usual activities. The majority of people are free to eat and drink normally following their release from the endoscopy unit, however, personalized guidelines in regard to eating, medication, and activities will be given to you prior to discharge. After the exam, the nurse and/or doctor will go over the findings of the procedure with you. You will also be sent home with a typed report. You will be alerted of any biopsy results within one week.

In general, sigmoidoscopy is a very safe test. In all, negative side effects are experienced by less than 1% of patients. The majority of complications are not serious, still, should a complication occur, it could require hospitalization and surgery. Before the exam, the staff will review the consent form with you. If any questions or concerns arise, these may be discussed with your provider ahead of the exam.

Bleeding may occur with biopsies and the removal of polyps. To reiterate, significant bleeding, which could involve hospitalization or a blood transfusion, is highly uncommon. Still, bleeding has been known to occur at the time of the procedure or up to two weeks following the test in the event that a polyp is extracted.

Puncture or perforation of the large intestine can take place. This may be recognized during the exam, or it may not become obvious until a short time later. In most cases, a perforation will require surgery and hospitalization. This is an uncommon complication, even in the event that polyps are removed. It is very important that you reach out to you provider's office immediately if symptoms present following the exam, such as growing pain in the abdomen, fever, or bleeding.

Like any other procedure, a sigmoidoscopy is not perfect. There remains a small, acknowledged risk that abnormal tissues, including polyps and cancers, could be overlooked during the procedure. It is of the utmost importance to remain vigilant and to maintain check-ups with your providers as advised and inform them of any new or recurring symptoms. If you have any further concerns or questions, please be sure to address them with your Digestive Health Specialists provider.