FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY usually
Provided at the Alpine Medical Clinic
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a visual
examination of the lining of the lower portion
of your large intestine. This is performed by
passing a long flexible tube (sigmoidoscope)
through the rectum and the colon. The doctor
will be able to look for any abnormalities which
may be present. If necessary, small tissue
samples (biopsies) can be taken during the
examination. These are painless, and are sent
for detailed laboratory analysis.
PREPARATION
To allow a clear view, the lower colon must
be completely free of waste material. On the
morning of your examination, please administer 2
FLEET enemas, the first 1 hour prior to your
appointment, and the 2nd one half-hour prior to
your appointment time. These are obtained from
your local pharmacy. Avoid taking aspirin
products or any iron preparation for two (2)
days prior to the examination. YOU MAY EAT
AND DRINK AS NORMAL ON THE DAY OF YOUR
EXAMINATION
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
The doctor and/or nurse will explain the
procedure and answer your questions. Please tell
them if you have had any other endoscopic
examinations or have any allergies or previous
bad reactions to medications.
You will be placed in a
comfortable position on your left side. The
doctor will pass the sigmoidoscope through the
anus into the rectum, and advance it up the
colon. You may experience some abdominal
cramping and pressure from the air which is
introduced into your colon. This is normal and
will pass quickly. You may be asked by the nurse
to change your position during the examination
and will be assisted by the nurse. The
examination takes 5-15 minutes.
AFTERWARDS
After this you may return to your normal
diet unless otherwise instructed. You may feel
slightly bloated, due to the air which has been
injected through the endoscope. This will pass
quickly.
RISKS
Sigmoidoscopy can result in complications
such as reactions to medication (if given),
perforation of the colon, and/or bleeding. These
are very rare (less than one in 1000
examinations), but may require urgent treatment,
and even an operation. Be sure to inform us if
you have any pain, black tarry stools or
persistent bleeding in the hours or days after
sigmoidoscopy.
QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS
Contact Dr. Ian Macdonald through his office
from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Thursday and
9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday. (Sundays
also in the Summer)
