Sigmoidoscopy procedure or flexible sigmoidoscopy is a smaller version of colonoscopy. In this, your doctor will use a sigmoidoscope to examine the last part of your colon which is towards the exterior.
Sigmoidoscopy doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete and is performed by a trained medical professional. The doctor will insert the sigmoidoscope into your rectum through the anus and move it towards the sigmoid colon which is the outer part of the colon. They will add air into the colon for a better view of the lining of the colon as well as rectum. Once the scope reaches transverse colon (the previous part of colon), it is slowly withdrawn and the inner lining is re-examined.
If there are any polyps, they are removed during the flexible sigmoidoscopy and if tissue is needed for further examination, it is taken using the sigmoidoscope. After the process, doctor will give you a list of precautionary measures and share any immediate diagnosis of the procedure.
Your gastro doctor will use the procedure to identify causes of symptoms such as:
It can also serve as a screening tool for colon and rectal cancer. Because the flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure doesn’t require to pass the length of entire colon, it is more recommended for a quick diagnosis and doesn’t require anesthesia except for any special conditions. However, if the slightest abnormality is detected in the test, a colonoscopy would be the next step for a better understanding of the condition you are suffering from.
Whenever polyps are removed, the biggest risk is bleeding which is quite normal under the conditions. If you are experiencing dizziness or weakness or pain after the procedure, you must consult the doctor at the earliest.
You need to consult the doctor and inform them of medicines that you take including any over the counter drugs. You must also follow the doctor’s recommendation for cleaning your bowels either through a liquid diet or through laxatives, as suggested by the gastro doctor.
Dr. Chirag Shah is a globally well acclaimed sigmoidoscopy specialist at MGH. He has over a decade of experience dealing with the most complex cases of polyps and cancers of the colon and has successfully navigated complicated situations arising in such diseases. His expertise will ensure you are in the safest pair of hands for any gastroenterology related complications of your body.
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