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 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 4

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 5

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 6

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.

Question 7

what preparation is required for the flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Flex sig: Usually two enemas. Again, this is a procedure for the history books. Almost always an indication for a sigmoidoscopy is an indication for a colonoscopy.

Question 8

what does a flexible sigmoidoscopy feel like? are you out for it?

Accepted Answer

'Flex sig' ='cramps': For a 'flex sig' you are usually awake with no anesthesia unless arranged ahead of time with your doctor/G.I. Doctor .  The pain/cramps you experience is from the air placed in the lower colon so we can see the entire bowel wall .  The usual indications for flex sig are for follow-up for known proctitis (colitis) otherwise a full colonoscopy is the best test for colon cancer screening.

Question 9

what is the definition or description of: flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Exam last 1/3 colon: An exam of the last 1/ 3 of the colon including the rectum. The test is looking for polyps and other pathology in this portion of the lower intestine which can be done without sedation and even in an office settings.

Question 10

i'm terrified for my flexible sigmoidoscopy! what do they do? do you lay down?  do they give you a gown to wear? does it hurt? how far up does it go?

Accepted Answer

No need to be scared: The procedure just takes a few minutes and is performed lying on your left side comfortably.You usually have a gown on and it reaches the sigmoid colon. You may feel some gas discomfort but in general there is no pain.

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What does a flexible sigmoidoscopy feel like? are you out for it?

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What is the definition or description of: flexible sigmoidoscopy?

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I'm terrified for my flexible sigmoidoscopy! what do they do? do you lay down? do they give you a gown to wear? does it hurt? how far up does it go?

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