Question 1

what is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

A colon exam: This is a limited exam of the distal colon and rectum, typically done without sedation in an office setting. This has been used as part of colon cancer screening regimens, but has been largely replaced by colonoscopy which allows a complete colon exam.

Question 2

what does a flexible sigmoidoscopy involve?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating the colon: In this procedure a flexible endoscope is passed via the anus, through the rectum up to the splenic flexure.  The allows the evaluation of the distal 1/3 of the colon.  Cramping during the procedure is common.  Sedation can be used in the appropriate setting but is not necessary.  A bowel preparation is generaly done prior.  Enemas are generally sufficient.

Question 3

what if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Depends on findings: Flexible sigmoidoscopy looks at lower 1/3 of colon.  Better look is with colonoscopy, which looks at entirety of colon.  In general, if abnormality seen on flex sig, colonoscopy is recommended.

Question 4

what is the cpt code for flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

45330: 45330 is the cpt code for a diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Question 5

what is it like to have a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy ?

Accepted Answer

Depends!: Very few physicians perform sigmoidoscopy anymore (only checks half the colon and no sedation!).  Colonoscopy is usually done with sedation or anesthesia.  The procedure itself is usually not uncomfortable.  The cleaning out preparation can be arduous.  Colonoscopy is 50 times more life saving than a mammogram!

Question 6

i having a flexible sigmoidoscopy and i have fleet ready to use when do i use it before going in to hospital ?

Accepted Answer

Check with GI doc: every clinic may have slightly different instructions. We use two enemas, one the night before and one the morning of the procedure a few hours before. Hope this helps.

Question 7

had a flexible sigmoidoscopy. 6 biopsies taken. what else would could cause loss of vascular pattern if colitis wasn't discovered?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your h: What did your doctor tell you is wrong? If you do not have obvious inflammation or ulceration of the colonic mucosa, there is nothing very serious going on in your bowel. I would advise you to eat healthy(plant based foods), exercise daily(walking for 30 mins is good) and reduce stress in your life. The bowel will heal if you do all 3 of the above.

Question 8

what can be expected during my flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Not much: You will be under the influence of either an amnestic (blocks memory) and/or light sedative.  You won't remember a thing and likely get a terrific nap in the process.  Now, preparing for the experience by evacuating your bowels the day before can be challenging.

Question 9

what are some alternatives to the flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: One has to know more about what is being evaluated. I use flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate known issues in the distal colon and rectum, frequently after a full colonoscopy has been done. I would ask your physician her opinion.

Question 10

what are possible complications of a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the test is done with sedation (typically not necessary) then there are risks of sedation. Otherwise typical risks of this procedure can include pain or cramps, bleeding (especially if there will be biopsies), infection, missing a lesion or a perforation (hole in the intestine).  That being said, these risks are very rare.

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Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening

A member asked:

What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

A member asked:

What does a flexible sigmoidoscopy involve?

A member asked:

What if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal?

A member asked:

What is the cpt code for flexible sigmoidoscopy?

A member asked:

What is it like to have a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy ?

A member asked:

I having a flexible sigmoidoscopy and i have fleet ready to use when do i use it before going in to hospital ?

A member asked:

Had a flexible sigmoidoscopy. 6 biopsies taken. what else would could cause loss of vascular pattern if colitis wasn't discovered?

A member asked:

What can be expected during my flexible sigmoidoscopy?

A member asked:

What are some alternatives to the flexible sigmoidoscopy?

A member asked:

What are possible complications of a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

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