Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This webpage will give you information about a flexible
sigmoidoscopy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of
the left, lower part of the colon (large bowel) using a flexible
telescope (see figure 1). Sometimes a polyp is the cause of the
problem and the endoscopist may be able to remove it during the
procedure.
Figure 1 - The large bowel
Are there any alternatives to a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Other options include a colonoscopy, a barium enema (an x-ray
test of the large bowel) or a CT colography (a special scan of the
large bowel).
What does the procedure involve?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy involves placing a flexible telescope
(endoscope) into the back passage and blowing some air into your
large bowel to get a clear view. The endoscopist will be able to
look for problems such as inflammation or polyps. They will be able
to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make the
diagnosis.
what complications can happen?
- Allergic reaction
- Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities
- Making a hole in the colon
- Bleeding
- Incomplete procedure
How soon will I recover?
If you were given sedation, you will normally recover in about
an hour. You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will
pass. A member of the team will tell you what was found during the
flexible sigmoidoscopy and will discuss with you any treatment or
follow-up you need. You should be able to go back to work the day
after the flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Summary
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of
finding out if you have a problem with the lower part of your large
bowel.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM and LifeART image copyright
2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Boston, Boston Treatment Centre
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Middlesbrough, Tees Valley Treatment Centre
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Orpington, Bromley Private Patient Unit
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital