SERVICES - GASTROENTEROLOGY(procedure - flexible sigmoidoscopy)
Endoscopy Procedure (Upper GI) | Colonoscopy Procedure (Lower GI) | Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Procedure (Lower GI)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Overview
What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables the physician to look at the inside of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending colon. Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. They also use it to look for early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. With flexible sigmoidoscopy, the physician can see bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths, and ulcers in the descending colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is not sufficient to detect polyps or cancer in the ascending or transverse colon (two-thirds of the colon).
For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. The physician will insert a short, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-duh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the rectum and colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into these organs, which inflates them and helps the physician see better.
If anything unusual is in your rectum or colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove a piece of it using instruments inserted into the scope. The physician will send that piece of tissue (biopsy) to the lab for testing. Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of sigmoidoscopy. However, such complications are uncommon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy takes 10 to 20 minutes. During the procedure, you might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower abdomen. You will feel better afterward when the air leaves your colon.
Preparation
The colon and rectum must be completely empty for flexible sigmoidoscopy to be thorough and safe, so you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for this test.
For additional information you may visit the American College of Gastroenterology website at www.acg.gi.org. Click the "Patient Information" section.
Instructions for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
At Least One Week Before Your Procedure
Medical History Pre-Procedure Review
If You Receive A Sedative For Your Procedure
Low Fiber Diet - Food Choices
About the gastroenterologists:
Dr. Mort Malkin received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at San Diego and received his Medical Degree from the Chicago Medical School. He received his training in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut and in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Rochester. He was an Attending Physician in the GI and Hepatology Departments at the University of Rochester. He was in private practice in Ohio prior to coming to Chapel Hill Internal Medicine in 2000. Dr. Malkin is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and is listed by the Consumers’ Research Council of America as one of “America’s Top Physicians.” He is an active member in the American College of Physicians, the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Gastroenterological Association. Dr. Malkin is accepting new gastroenterology patients by referral.
Dr. Julia Tang received both her Baccalaureate and Medical Degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. She joined the staff of Chapel Hill Internal Medicine in 2006, after completing her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at UNC– Chapel Hill. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr. Tang was born in Hong Kong, and since she was seven years old, has lived in North Carolina. Dr. Tang is an active member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology. She is accepting new gastroenterology patients by referral.