Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Utah

Your Utah Gastroenterology providers will instruct you to be present at our local endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours ahead of your flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. This will allow you adequate time to complete paperwork and get ready for the exam. You'll be told to put on a hospital gown. The majority of the time, an intravenous (IV) catheter will not be started, as sedation is not administered with this exam. You could be hooked up to equipment that will permit the provider and staff to monitor your oxygen levels, heart rate, electrocardiogram, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure throughout and following the exam.

Once in the exam room, you'll be asked to lie down on your left on the bed. The doctor will carry out an exam of your rectum. The sigmoidoscope will then be slowly inserted into the rectum. The scope will be carefully advanced throughout the sigmoid colon. A tiny bit of air is injected by way of the scope into the colon to help the physician see. Any fluid still in the colon post-preparation can be rinsed and suctioned out through the scope. Depending on the findings of the exam, a number of things can be performed during the exam including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. At the end of the procedure, as much of the air and remaining fluid as possible is suctioned out of the colon via the scope. Depending on the results, the exam usually takes 5 – 15 minutes to conduct.

Since sedation is not typically used, once the procedure is concluded, the patient will usually be instructed to change back into their clothes and prepare for discharge from the endoscopy center. Assuming sedation is not needed, you'll be released to perform your normal activities as well as drive. Most people are able to drink and eat normally after their release from the endoscopy unit, however, unique directions in regard to activity, eating, and medications will be given to the patient in advance of discharge. After the exam, the nurse and/or doctor will review the results of the procedure with you. You will also be sent home with a typed report. The patient will be alerted of any results from biopsies in 7 days or less.

Overall, sigmoidoscopy is a very safe test, triggering complications in fewer than 1% of patients. The majority of complications that may occur are minor, but there is a possibility of hospitalization and surgery in rare cases. Before we begin the exam, a member of our staff will issue you a consent form and review any risks. If you have any questions or concerns at this point, you may bring them up to your specialist to address before starting your procedure.

Bleeding could occur with biopsies and the removal of polyps. Again, a concerning amount of bleeding, which could require a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is highly uncommon. Still, bleeding can occur during the exam or as long as two weeks after the exam if a polyp is removed.

Perforation or puncture of the large intestine may take place. This can be noticed during the exam, or it may not be apparent until later in the day. In most cases, a perforation will necessitate surgery and hospitalization. This is an uncommon complication, even in the event that polyps are removed. It is very important that you contact your specialist's office immediately if symptoms present following the procedure such as increasing abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.

As with any other exam, a sigmoidoscopy is not perfect. There is a slight, recognized risk that abnormal tissues including polyps and cancers can be missed during the procedure. It is vital to remain vigilant and to follow up with your providers as advised and inform them of any new or ongoing symptoms. Please discuss with your Utah Gastroenterology specialist if you think of any questions or concerns.