Sometimes, when you go to see your doctor because of stomach pain, blood in your stool, or a change in your bowel habits, he may ask you to do a test called a 'Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.' Hearing this name might make you a little scared. It's normal to wonder, 'What kind of test is this? Will it hurt? What do I need to do?' So don't worry. Today, we're going to talk about everything you need to know about this test.
What exactly is this Flexible Sigmoidoscopy test?
Simply put, this is a test that examines the inside of your lower colon and rectum. To be precise, this is a test that a doctor uses to examine the inside walls of your rectum and lower colon (sigmoid colon) .
The instrument used for this is called a 'sigmoidoscope'. It is a very thin, flexible tube. It has a small camera and a light at the end. The doctor inserts this tube through your anus and watches the images from the camera on a monitor to examine the inside of your colon.
Now, let's see why a doctor would ask you to have this test.
| Symptom / Cause | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Abdominal pain | If you have persistent, unexplained stomach pain. |
| Rectal bleeding | If there is blood in the stool or blood after going to the toilet. |
| Changes in bowel habits | If you suddenly start having loose stools, constipation develops, or both occur alternately. |
| Cancer screening | This is also used as a test for early detection of colon or rectal cancer. |
How should I prepare for this test?
This is a very important part. Your contribution is essential to make the test accurate.
First, be sure to tell your doctor these things.
When you schedule your test, share this information with your doctor. Don't hide it, as it is very important for your safety.
- If you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
- If you have a lung or heart condition.
- If you have allergies to any medicine .
- If you have diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) .
- If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin).
If this is the case, your doctor may advise you to change your medication dosage or stop taking certain medications a few days before the test.
Bowel Preparation
To get a clear view of the test, your lower colon needs to be completely empty and clean. Otherwise, if there is stool, the camera won't be able to see the inside walls properly.
Remember, for the test to be successful, your intestines must be completely clean. So follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
For this, the doctor usually gives advice like this:
- Clear liquid diet: The day before the test, drink only clear liquids such as water, tea, soup, and broth. Do not eat solid foods. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.
- Stomach-clearing medicine: You may be given a liquid or pill to drink.
- Enema: A few hours before the test, you may be asked to completely empty your lower colon using an enema.
Following these instructions exactly will greatly affect the success of the test results.
What happens during the test?
This test usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes . So there's nothing to worry about. Most of the time, you won't be completely anesthetized, which means you'll be conscious.
1. First, you will be asked to lie on the left side of a bed, with your knees bent towards your chest.
2. Then the doctor will very carefully insert the thin tube (sigmoidoscope) through your rectum and guide it into the lower part of your colon.
3. To better visualize the walls of the intestine, a small amount of air is injected to inflate the intestine. At this point, you may feel a little full and gassy.
4. At this point, you may feel a slight stomach ache or discomfort. When you feel that way, all you have to do is take a few slow, deep breaths. That discomfort will be greatly reduced.
5. The doctor carefully examines the inside walls of the intestine and then removes the tube.
What happens after the test?
As soon as the test is finished, the doctor will discuss the results with you.
- If you are not under anesthesia, you can eat and work normally. There is no problem.
- If the doctor sees any abnormal growths, such as polyps , during the exam, he or she may take a small sample of it for testing. This is called a biopsy .
- Sometimes, he may also recommend that you undergo a colonoscopy, which examines the entire colon.
Are there any risks or complications from this?
Usually, after the test, you may feel a little stomach ache or gas, but this will go away completely within a few minutes or hours.
However, a very rare and serious complication is perforation of the intestine during the procedure. This is rare, but if it does occur, immediate treatment is required.
Therefore, if you experience any of the symptoms below after the test, do not delay and call your doctor immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
|---|---|
| Severe stomach pain | If you have an unbearable stomach ache. |
| Fever and chills | If your body feels hot and you feel like you have a fever. |
| Excessive rectal bleeding | Not a little, but more than a teaspoon of blood at once. |
So, you can see that Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is nothing to be afraid of. It's a generally very safe test that can help you find out a lot of important information about your health.
Take-Home Message
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a very important and safe test used to diagnose diseases of the lower colon.
- For the test to be successful, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions for cleansing the intestines exactly as given.
- Tell your doctor about your other illnesses, medications you take, and allergies without hiding anything.
- The test takes about 10-20 minutes. You can control any discomfort you may feel during this time by taking deep breaths.
- If you experience severe stomach pain, fever, or heavy bleeding after the test, see a doctor immediately or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
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