Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Thibodaux, LA

You will be instructed to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours before your flexible sigmoidoscopy. This will allow time to fill out paperwork and prep for the procedure. You'll be instructed to don a medical gown. In most cases, no IV will be started since sedation is typically not given with this procedure. You could be connected to technology that allows our gastroenterology team to watch your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level throughout and following your procedure.

Once in the exam room, you'll be instructed to lie on your left side on the treatment table. Your provider will begin by carrying out a rectal exam. The sigmoidoscope will then be gently inserted just inside the rectum and gently advanced throughout the sigmoid colon. A small amount of air is injected through the scope into the colon to help the provider see better. Pending on the findings of the exam, a few things can be done at the time of the procedure including removal of polyps, control of bleeding, and biopsies. At the end of the exam, all possible remaining fluid and air are suctioned out of the colon via the scope. The exam usually takes 5 – 15 minutes to conduct. However, if our Thibodaux, LA team finds the need to perform any other procedures at the time, it may take a bit longer.

Because sedation is not usually necessary, you can change back into your clothes and leave the endoscopy center right away. Assuming sedation is not utilized, you will also be allowed to perform your normal activities, like driving or going to work. The majority of people are able to eat and drink regularly following their release, however, personalized directions related to eating, medication, and activities will be provided. After the exam, your provider and/or nurse will go over the results of the procedure with you. You will also be sent home with a typed report to reference as needed. We will follow up with you on your biopsy results within about seven days.

In general, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a very safe test. Complications are rare and are generally only experienced by 1% or less of patients. Most of the time, complications are not serious; still, if a complication occurs, it could require hospitalization and surgery. Before the exam, a consent form will be discussed with you by our staff. If any concerns or questions arise, these should be discussed with your provider ahead of the exam.

Bleeding may happen with biopsies and the removal of polyps. A concerning amount of bleeding, which could necessitate a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is extremely uncommon. Still, bleeding can happen during the exam or anytime within two weeks after the test in the event that a polyp is removed.

Perforation or puncture of the colon may occur. Your provider may realize this at the time of the exam, or it might not be apparent until later in the day. In most cases, a puncture will require surgery and hospitalization. This is an atypical complication, even in the event that polyps are extracted. It is vital that you contact us right away if symptoms present after the exam like worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.

Like any other procedure, a sigmoidoscopy is not perfect. There remains a slight, acknowledged chance that tissue abnormalities including but not limited to polyps and cancers can be overlooked at the time of the exam. It is of the utmost importance to remain vigilant and to maintain any routine follow-up appointments as instructed by your provider and inform them of any new or recurring symptoms. Please speak with your Digestive Health Center team if you have any questions or concerns.