Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy you will have the opportunity to ask the consultant performing the procedure further questions.

You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees bent.  The Endoscopy nurse will stay with you and monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels throughout the test. If you receive sedation, you will be given some intravenous pain relief and sedation (Midazolam) through the small needle in your hand or arm. The consultant will usually perform a brief internal examination with a gloved finger before inserting the flexible tube into your back passage (anus). The tube has to be carefully manoeuvred around the lower large bowel. There are some naturally occurring bends and negotiating these may be regrettably, uncomfortable at times.

You may need to change position to allow the tube to move around the bowel. Air is passed via the tube into the bowel to help see the lining. This may make you feel bloated and cause some mild wind pains. You may feel as though you want to go to the toilet and you will need to pass wind. This is normal and there is no need to feel embarrassed.

If necessary small tissue samples called biopsies may be taken painlessly and sent to the laboratory for examination.  A polyp is an abnormal projection of tissue on the lining of the bowel (like a skin tag). Some polyps are attached to the intestinal wall by a stalk and look like a mushroom, whereas others are flat without a stalk. If a polyp is found, or you are already known to have polyps they are usually removed by the consultant at flexible sigmoidoscopy, depending on size and location as they may grow and cause problems later. Alternatively, the consultant may take some samples for further investigation. Polypectomy involves using a high frequency electric current to remove or destroy the polyp. This is all done via the endoscope and you will be unaware of it.  If polyps are detected on flexible sigmoidoscopy your consultant may decide to arrange for a colonoscopy to exclude polyps in the right side of the colon.

The examination normally takes approximately 15 minutes sometimes longer, depending on any treatment required.  At the end of the procedure the endoscope is gently removed along with as much air as possible. Minor side effects such as retained wind and stomach soreness are quite common and will settle after a few hours. Please be aware that small internal photographs may be taken during the examination and retained in your notes for future information.

It may be that your consultant at the time of your procedure may elect to treat piles (haemorrhoids) if they are present and causing symptoms.  This will be discussed with you prior to your endoscopy.  It is straightforward to treat haemorrhoids at the time of the procedure with banding and/or injection. At the end of the procedure tiny rubber bands are placed over the haemorrhoids cutting off the blood supply. The haemorrhoids and bands will then fall off in a few days and the wounds usually heal within a couple of weeks. The procedure sometimes produces mild discomfort and bleeding and may need to be repeated for a full effect. Injection can also be used to help shrivel the haemorrhoids.