| What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy? |
| This is a test or procedure that is
usually done as an out patient. A flexible tube with a light and a video camera at
the end is inserted through the patients bottom. With this test, we can visualize
the inside lining of the rectum and lower part of the colon. This is an incomplete
evaluation of the bowel. |
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| Animated Video |
| Compare this with the video for a colonoscopy |
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| Will I be asleep? |
| Usually, patients are awake for this test. There are always some exceptions. |
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| Why is it usually done and what can you do during the test? |
| Your doctor may choose to do the test for a lot of reasons. They include |
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Evaluation of abdominal pain. |
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Evaluation of rectal bleeding when it is thought to occur only from the rectum or lower bowels. |
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Generally, if a polyp or cancer is being considered, it is better to do a complete evaluation with a colonoscopy. |
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This is only a partial list of reasons.
During the test, your physician can : |
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Look for inflammation. |
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Remove small polyps |
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Take biopsies |
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| What are the side effects of the test? |
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The test is generally very safe. Complications are generally uncommon. Complications that can happen include |
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Bleeding or if the person is already bleeding, it may not always be possible to stop the bleeding.
Some patients may require surgery in that situation. |
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Infection. Some patients, if they throw up can develop pneumonia. |
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Perforation or poking a hole. This would be serious and can require surgery. |
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Missing an ulcer, mass or polyp is also a possibility. |
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Patients who have other underlying diseases can have complications of the underlying disease during the test. |
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| Overall, the test is extremely safe and complications are rare. |
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| Do I need a ride after the test? |
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| No, unless you received sedation for the test. |
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| When will I know my test results? |
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| There is some information the physician can give right away.
If a biopsy has been taken, it may take up to a week to get those results back. |
