FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY

What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a special camera called a colonoscope (the same instrument used for a colonoscopy) – a long, thin flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip – which is passed through the anus and into the bowel. The flexible sigmoidoscopy allows your specialist to perform a detailed examination of the last part of the large bowel as well as perform procedures such as biopsies, removal of polyps and haemorrhoid banding.

Why do I need a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect inflammation, ulcers and abnormal growths in the bowel as well as detect and treat internal haemorrhoids. The procedure is used to look for cancer and can help to work out the cause for unexplained changes in bowel habits, pain and bleeding from the bowel.

How is a flexible sigmoidoscopy performed?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually performed under a light anaesthetic and is not painful. As a result, you will not be able to drive for 24 hours or operate machinery after the procedure is complete. You will need someone to drive you to and from your procedure.

A thorough inspection of the bowel usually takes about 10 minutes. A sample of the bowel lining (biopsy) may be taken to allow a review of it under a microscope or polyps (small tissue growths) may be removed. Haemorrhoids are able to be treated at the same time.

Why do I need to have bowel preparation?
For a successful flexible sigmoidoscopy, it is essential for the last part of the bowel to be adequately cleaned of waste material. Depending on the reason for your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you may require an enema (a small amount of liquid medication delivered via the anus) 30 minutes prior to your procedure. This is not painful. With the exception of the enema, there is no other bowel preparation required.

What are the risks of a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a very safe procedure, and complications are rare when the procedure is performed by doctors who are specially trained in flexible sigmoidoscopy. A/Prof Chris Mills is currently the only advanced and interventional endoscopist working in Gippsland, with extensive training in all facets of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Very few people experience serious side-effects from flexible sigmoidoscopy. Exceedingly rare complications include tearing a small hole in the bowel wall (perforation), bleeding, a failure to complete the procedure, an incorrect diagnosis, a missed lesion or complications of the anaesthetic, Please feel free to discuss any of these complications with your specialist if you would like more information prior to your procedure.

I still have some questions. Where can I go?
For further information, please browse through our Info Section, catch us through our Contact Us page or reach out to our friendly Gippsland Specialist Group staff on (03) 5630 8800.

We also have some other Info Sheets on our website about flexible sigmoidoscopy that might help - please click here.
To download this Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Information page as a pdf - please click here.