Why is this procedure done?
Sigmoidoscopy lets your doctor see the inside of your rectum. It also lets the doctor see the lower part of the large bowel called the sigmoid colon. This test uses a special tool which has a light and a tiny camera. The tool can be moved through your rectum and lower colon. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Screen for cancer
- Look at your lower colon and rectum for bleeding
- Find the cause of changes in your bowel movement
- Find the cause of belly pain
- Confirm results from other tests
- Check your response if you had treatment for other diseases
- Find and treat polyps or tumor
- Get small pieces of the bowel for testing
What will the results be?
Your doctor will learn more about any problems you may be having with your colon and rectum. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may order tests for your stool. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor may suggest a clear liquid diet a few days before the test. Do not drink liquids that have red or purple dye in it.
- Clear liquids include such things as:
- Broth
- Water
- Plain coffee or tea ¢ ˆ ’ no milk or creamer
- Gelatin, jello, popsicles
- Clear fruit juices without pulp
- Clear drinks, such as lemon-lime soda and sports drinks
- You may need to have a laxative or enema the night before the test. Sometimes, another enema is given 2 hours before the test.
- You may want to have someone come with you.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on your side with your knees bent and drawn up toward your chest.
- The doctor will use a small thin tube with a light and a camera on it. This will be put gently into your anus. You may feel the urge to move your bowels. The doctor will move it through your rectum and into the bowel.
- Small amounts of air are put into your colon. The camera lets your doctor look at the lining of your lower colon and rectum.
- Your doctor may take small tissue samples. Small growths may also be removed during the procedure.
- The tube is then taken out of your bowel.
- This test takes 15 to 20 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may feel some pressure or cramping and bloating for a short time from the air that was put into the colon. That feeling will go away as you pass the air from your colon.
- If tissue was removed, it will be sent to a lab to be checked. Your doctor will tell you the results after a week or two.
- You can go home after your procedure.
- You can often resume your normal activities and diet.
- A small amount of bleeding may happen during the first few days after your procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Some of the changes you may notice after the test include:
- Pain at the biopsy site. You will be given drugs to relieve any pain.
- Small amount of bleeding on your first bowel movement.
- Cramping and bloating until the air leaves the colon.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results of the biopsy will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have with your sigmoid colon. Your doctor may order a colonoscopy to look at your entire colon. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Injury inside your colon
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Changes in your belly or bowel habits:
- Bad bleeding from the rectum
- Black, tarry, or bloody bowel movements
- Trouble passing gas or having a bowel movement
- Pain or swelling in the belly
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=384 ‚
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/sigmoidoscopy/ ‚
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons ‚
http://www.sages.org/publication/id/PI07/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚