Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon. The large intestine, or colon, is 5-6 feet long. During a sigmoidoscopy, only the last 1-2 feet of the colon is examined. This exam is done to evaluate several conditions. Among these are rectal bleeding, change in bowel function, diarrhea, rectal or abdominal pain, colon cancer screening, and follow-up on x-ray findings.
A flexible fiberoptic scope is used to perform the examination. This soft instrument can be guided through the curves of the colon. It has a powerful light source attached to it that allows the doctor to see the tissue clearly. The doctor may obtain a biopsy through the scope, if indicated, without discomfort to you.
The procedure is approximately 5-10 minutes in length. During the exam you will be lying comfortably on your left side. As the scope is guided through the sigmoid colon you will feel a sensation of pressure or the urge to defecate. This varies on an individual basis. The discomfort is often described as "gas-like". The procedure is most often done without any sedation and is tolerated well due to the short exam time. The sigmoid colon must be clean to allow the doctor to clearly visualize the colon.
Dietary Instructions:
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On the day of the procedure, 1 - 1½ hours prior to leaving home, give yourself two Plain Fleet Enemas (the green & white box may be purchased at any pharmacy.) While laying on left side, give yourself one enema, hold it as long as possible, expel it, and follow with the second enema. (If you have a tendency towards constipation, please take three enemas.) |
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Do not eat or drink after taking the enemas. |
| __________ Longmont United Hospital, Emergency Room entrance, report to Patient Registration Desk. (623-5009). Please be prepared to provide insurance information.
__________ Longmont Surgery Center, (303-682-0593), 2030 Mountain View Avenue. Please be prepared to provide insurance information to the receptionist.
__________ Avista Hospital - Admissions, Main Lobby. Pre-register by calling Avista admitting (673-1000). Provide them with insurance information.
__________ Boulder Medical Pavilion Outpatient Registration Desk. Pre-register by calling Boulder Community Hospital (440-2340) to provide insurance information. Parking: Medical Pavilion parking structure.
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Related Links
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Other Endoscopic Procedures
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy & Barium Enema
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy & Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
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