Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Texas

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A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic exam involving a slender, pliant hose with a scope attached that is inserted through the rectum and into the lower section of the large intestine. Because of this, it is a limited analysis of a specific portion of the colon. Attached to the scope are a camera and light, which allow the gastroenterologist to check the lining of the colon for abnormalities. There are several reasons for your GI specialist to order a sigmoidoscopy, including:

  • Diagnosing the reason for GI issues like:
    • Bleeding
    • Pain in the abdomen
    • Diarrhea
    • Unusual x-ray results
  • Screening for colon cancer and polyps

If you are suffering from problems related to the symptoms listed above, please request an appointment with Texas Digestive Disease Consults to learn about flexible sigmoidoscopy procedures in Texas.

Your local provider will give you instructions on what you need to do to prepare for your flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. Patients will commonly be restricted to only clear liquids the day prior to the procedure. You may have a few different choices for laxatives to help clear out your bowels. It is critical that you adhere to the guidelines laid out for you by your Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider. You will also receive directions on what to do with any medications you are taking. Most patients will be able to take their medications normally. Some patients, especially those with diabetes and those taking blood thinners (like Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatories), will receive specific instructions regarding their medications. Except for most medications, you will be advised not to take anything by mouth after midnight.

Your provider will ask you to get to the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your test so you can fill out the necessary paperwork and get ready for the procedure. You will need to change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter is usually not included in the procedure, as sedation is often unnecessary for this exam. The doctor and staff may connect you to equipment in the exam room to allow them to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen both during and after the test.

After entering the exam room, you will lie down on the stretcher on your left side. The provider will then conduct a rectal exam. After that, they will carefully guide the sigmoidoscope into the rectum, slowly moving it through the sigmoid colon. The scope will inject a small amount of air into the colon to assist the doctor in examining the surroundings of the intestine. The physician can also use the scope to wash and suction out fluid in the colon. Based on the test's findings, they may take the opportunity to conduct additional procedures, including biopsies, managing bleeding, and removing polyps. When the exam is done, the scope will be used to take out most of the air and fluid still left in the intestine. The full exam may take 5 – 15 minutes, depending on the results.

As there is usually no sedative involved in a flexible sigmoidoscopy, most patients are able to leave the endoscopy unit shortly after the test. If you were not sedated, you should be capable of driving and going about your usual business afterward. While the majority of individuals are able to consume food and drinks normally after leaving the test location, you should receive instructions from the staff regarding eating, exercise, and medication after the procedure. The physician and/or nurse will explain the results of the examination to you, and you will be given a typed report to take home. If there was a biopsy, your provider at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants will reach out to you with the results within a week.

Overall, flexible sigmoidoscopy is safe for patients. Fewer than 1 percent of individuals experience complications as a result of the procedure, with most problems not being life-threatening. There is a chance, however, of a development that could result in surgery and hospitalization. A member of the nursing staff will go over a consent form with you before the procedure starts. If you have any questions or concerns, you can discuss them with your provider before starting the exam.

Bleeding is a possibility with biopsies and polyp removal. Bleeding severe enough to require hospitalization or a blood transfusion is unlikely. However, bleeding could happen during the exam or up to two weeks later if a polyp is extracted.

Puncture of perforation of the colon is also a possibility. Your provider may notice this during the procedure, or it may not become evident until later on. In many cases, a puncture could necessitate surgery and hospitalization. This is a rare occurrence, even when polyps have been extracted. It is vitally important that you contact your provider's office right away if you notice symptoms like bleeding, fever, or increased abdominal pain.

As with any other medical test, a sigmoidoscopy is not without flaws. There is a small but recognized risk that signs of disease, including polyps or cancer, may be missed while the exam is being done. You should follow up with your gastroenterologist as directed and tell them about any symptoms you experience following your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns not addressed here, speak with a local provider through Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to request a consultation.

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Your options will depend largely on the reason why you need to have the sigmoidoscopy to begin with. These options include various x-rays that are able to examine the intestines, such as a virtual CT scan or barium enema. However, these are just diagnostic tools. If they find any abnormalities, you may need to follow up with a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or surgery. Contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to learn more about alternatives to a flexible sigmoidoscopy in Texas.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a useful procedure for diagnosing the underlying cause of uncomfortable GI ailments like bleeding, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you are troubled by these or other GI symptoms, reach out to a GI specialist through Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. Through our network of board-certified gastroenterology providers, we strive to offer superior, patient-focused care. For more information about scheduling a flexible sigmoidoscopy in Texas or to request a consultation, contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.

Dr. Mbachu, was very attentive and inquisitive and addressed all of my concerns. She is awesome and very good.

A.L. Google

Dr. Kepczyk and his staff are among the best I have seen in my area. So professional, kind and knowledgeable.

S.D. Google

I’m Leah, Norm’s wife, and am using his account as a patient of Dr. Gou’s to write a review about him. I’m a new patient for Dr. Gou and, from the moment I walked into his office, I knew I was going to like this practice. Judy, the receptionist, was very friendly and welcoming to me. I have found that you can judge a doctor on first impressions by his/her front office staff. I’ve been to several gastroenterologists trying to find one who will listen to me and my concerns. Dr Gou spent a lot of time with me explaining my condition and what could be done for it. He listened to me, the patient, which had not been the case in the past. He doesn’t overbook his appointments so he can spend the time needed. I also had no wait to go back to the exam room. Highly recommend this office!

N.L. Google

Dr Walker is the kindest doctor I’ve ever been to. I was misinformed and thought she wasn’t practicing anymore and was so delighted to find out she still is today. I was dreading having to find another gastroenterologist, especially after finding one I loved so much, so I’m thrilled to get to continue to see her. She actually listens, has empathy, and shows genuine concern and care for her patients. 10/10 recommend!

G.D. Google

Team is extremely attentive and very responsive.

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