Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a widely trusted procedure that can diagnose and sometimes treat conditions impacting the lower part of the colon, but especially the sigmoid colon and descending colon. It’s a simple yet important examination that can help spot issues like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits and early signs of colorectal cancer.

Using a flexible tube with a camera attached, a flexible sigmoidoscopy can provide a clear video image of the intestinal lining and help doctors take small tissue samples or remove polyps, if necessary. It’s designed for the lower part of the colon and can give some valuable insights into a patient’s bowel health while being less invasive than a full colonoscopy.

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Importance of Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Screening for colorectal cancer is incredibly important for early detection and successful treatment. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an effective screening tool that lets specialists identify pre-existing polyps, inflammation or signs of bowel cancer at an early stage. Detecting polyps found in the sigmoid colon or descending colon can stop the progression to cancer, as most polyps are benign at first but can become malignant over time.

Regular screening can greatly lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Patients who have a family history of colon cancer or have symptoms like rectal bleeding or altered bowel habits should speak to their doctor about the benefits of flexible sigmoidoscopy for not just early intervention but also peace of mind.

However, it is important to note that flexible sigmoidoscopy is NOT a complete examination of the colon.

Our experienced team of healthcare professionals are here to provide you with personalised care and support.

Preparing for the Procedure

Patients will be given instructions about their special diet the day before the procedure, as well as using a bowel preparation like laxatives or enemas to cleanse the large intestine.

You might be asked to abstain from high-fibre foods and switch to clear fluids the evening before. Patients should wear loose comfortable clothing on the day and speak to their doctor about any medical conditions, medications or allergies prior to the procedure. Good communication between the patient and the healthcare team will lead to the safest and most successful outcomes.

What to Expect During the Procedure

During the flexible sigmoidoscopy, you will be given an intravenous sedative and will most likely lie on your left side on the examination table. The doctor inserts a thin and flexible tube with a light and camera attached into the back passage and gently advances it through the rectum and into the lower colon.

The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Throughout the procedure, your doctor will examine the intestinal lining for abnormalities, perform biopsies if needed and can remove polyps.

Having an intravenous sedative means you will generally have no recollection of the procedure. If polyps are found and removed, it can help to lower the risk of bowel cancer developing in future.

Alternatives to Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

There are other tests available for screening and diagnosing conditions of the large bowel. At Montserrat, the main alternative is a Colonoscopy. This procedure examines the entire colon and is preferred when a more detailed examination is needed.

You should speak with your doctor about whether a colonoscopy is an appropriate option for your specific circumstances and medical history.

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Who Needs the Procedure?

Do you:

  • Have a family history of colon cancer?
  • Experience symptoms like rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits?
  • Need further tests after a positive faecal occult blood test?
  • Have a history of pre-existing polyps removed or inflammatory bowel disease?

Even if you’ve had a previous colonoscopy or other screening tests, your doctor might recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy to see if there have been any changes or investigate new symptoms.

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Early detection saves lives. If you’re dealing with symptoms or are due for colorectal cancer screening, book a consultation with Montserrat Medical Services today. Our team will guide you through the whole process with care and professionalism. Call us on (07) 3833 6701 or book online today.

Potential Risks and Complications

While complications of a flexible sigmoidoscopy are extremely rare, it’s important that you understand the potential risks:

  • Minor bleeding can occur, especially if biopsies are taken or polyps are removed.
  • Perforation (a small tear in the bowel wall) can happen but it’s very rare and will usually require surgery to repair.
  • Infection risk is very low.
  • Some patients can experience temporary rectal bleeding or mild discomfort after the procedure.

Most surveys show that major bleeding and other serious complications are extremely rare. The overall risk is much lower than the potential benefits of early diagnosis and treatment.

Benefits and Advantages

Here are some of the biggest benefits of flexible sigmoidoscopy:

  • It acts as an early warning system for colon (bowel) cancer, which helps doctors catch problems before they become serious issues.
  • It helps doctors remove polyps during the procedure and prevent future cancerous developments.
  • It’s quicker and far less invasive than a full colonoscopy but NOT a complete examination.
  • Patients may experience only minor discomfort post-procedure and can return to their normal activities very soon after.
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After the Procedure

After the flexible sigmoidoscopy, most patients recover very quickly. While you might experience some mild cramping or gas, any air introduced into the bowel during the procedure will pass through.

Patients are usually able to return to their normal activities shortly after, although it’s recommended that you avoid any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. Our healthcare team will discuss the results with you and advise about whether any follow-up appointments or further treatments are necessary.

If biopsies were taken or any polyps were removed, you’ll be informed about this once the pathology results are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

A flexible sigmoidoscopy examines only the sigmoid colon and lower part of the bowel, whereas a colonoscopy looks at the entire colon. Colonoscopy is a much more comprehensive procedure but it’s slightly more invasive and takes longer to perform.

Yes. Patients need to follow their doctor’s bowel-preparation instructions to make sure the large intestine is fully clean and allows for clear visibility during the procedure. Preparation is generally less intensive than for a full colonoscopy.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. It’s performed under general anaesthesia, and patients are admitted as day patients. You may feel drowsy afterwards and experience only minor discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off.

Yes, patients are put to sleep with sedation. If patients prefer not to have sedation, this can be discussed with their specialist during the consultation.