Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Denver, CO

Plan to be directed to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure. This is to allow you adequate time to complete paperwork and prep for the procedure. You'll be told to don a medical gown. The majority of the time, no IV will be started since, usually, sedation is not given with this procedure. You could be connected to equipment that will allow the staff and provider to watch your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during and following the procedure.

Once in the exam room, you will be directed to lie down on your left side on the bed. The physician will perform a rectal exam. The sigmoidoscope will then be carefully placed into the rectum. The scope will then be gently advanced through the sigmoid colon. A tiny amount of air is injected by way of the tube into the colon to help the physician see. Any fluid still in the colon after the preparation can be washed and suctioned out through the scope. Depending on the results of the test, a few complications can be performed at the time of the exam including removal of polyps, control of bleeding, and biopsies. At the end of the procedure, all possible remaining fluid and air are suctioned out of the colon by way of the scope. Depending on the findings, the procedure takes approximately 5 – 15 minutes to complete.

Since anesthesia is not usually needed after the procedure is complete the patient is told to change back into their clothes and is released from the endoscopy center. If sedation is not needed, you'll be allowed to perform your normal activities as well as drive. Most people are free to drink and eat normally following their discharge from the endoscopy center, however, individualized guidelines related to activity, eating, and medications will be provided to the patient in advance of discharge. Following the exam, the nurse and/or doctor will review the results of the exam with you. You will also be sent home with a typed report. You will be made aware of any results from biopsies in 7 days or less.

In most cases, sigmoidoscopy is quite a safe procedure. All in all, negative side effects are seen in fewer than 1% of cases. Most of the time, complications are not serious, however, in the event of a complication, it could need hospitalization and surgery. In advance of the exam, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the staff. In the case that any questions or concerns come up, these can be discussed with your specialist ahead of the exam.

Bleeding could happen with the removal of polyps and biopsies. To reiterate, significant bleeding which might require a blood transfusion or hospitalization is highly uncommon. However, bleeding may occur at the time of the procedure or up to two weeks post exam if a polyp is extracted.

Perforation or puncture of the large intestine may take place. This can be noticed at the time of the exam, or it might not be apparent until a short time later. In most cases, a perforation will necessitate hospitalization and surgery. This is an uncommon complication, even in the event that polyps are removed. It is highly important that the patient reach out to the physician's office right away if symptoms arise after the exam such as increasing abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.

As with any other procedure, a sigmoidoscopy is not always without error. There is a small, accepted risk that abnormal tissues including cancer and polyps can be missed at the time of the procedure. It is crucial to remain vigilant and to maintain check-ups with your physicians as instructed and inform them of any new or recurring symptoms. Please discuss it with your Colorado Gastroenterology provider should you think of any questions or concerns.