Specific tests have become an important part of people’s daily lives, especially after the new coronavirus that made us pay more attention to health in general.
The flexible sigmoidoscopy, for example, an essential examination for the evaluation and care of the lower part of the intestine, often required in check-up evaluations, is still unknown to many.
And if you’ve heard about flexible sigmoidoscopy but aren’t sure what it is? Don’t worry, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about this exam and when is the right time to perform it.
Let’s go?
What is flexible sigmoidoscopy?
First of all, flexible sigmoidoscopy is nothing more than an examination used to specifically analyze the colon, the lower part of the large intestine, but significant and essential for its functioning.
In this type of examination, a flexible tube or sigmoidoscope containing a camera at its end is inserted through the rectum. This device helps the endoscopist or proctologist to clearly see the inside of the rectum and a good part of the sigmoid colon which corresponds to the lower part of the large intestine.
The examination allows for the removal of tissue samples that are used for biopsies, polypectomies, or other procedures, if necessary. However, in addition to this examination, a colonoscopy may be requested by the evaluating physician for a more precise and complete diagnosis.
How does flexible sigmoidoscopy work?
Currently, like other procedures, the examination can be performed both in clinics and hospitals. It is a bit like an ultrasound, where the images captured by the internal tube are transmitted to the monitor.
The examination can be done with the patient sedated or not, however, the most important thing is that the patient has strictly followed the doctor’s instructions regarding the preparations that precede the examination, such as:
- Intestinal cleansing through the use of laxatives;
- Preferably liquid diet;
- Rest from physical activities.
The examination lasts approximately 30 minutes, but may extend a little longer if more serious irregularities are visualized, as well as depending on the observation time requested by the professional after the examination, which can be up to two hours.
Preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy
The examination is a bit like a colonoscopy, not only in its execution but also in the essential preparations for the procedure. The difference is that in flexible sigmoidoscopy, the focus is on detailed evaluation of the sigmoid colon and the internal structure of the rectum.
Check out the main care before the exam:
- Liquid diet only two days before the exam, except for red or purple juices;
- Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages before and after the exam;
- Use laxatives for cleaning the large intestine, strictly following the prescriptions of the doctor responsible for the exam;
- Maintain a routine of rest before and after the exam;
- Stop eating at least eight hours before the procedure.
A very important tip is to bring a companion, since the examination may require the patient to be sedated, preventing them from returning to their residence even after resting.
Indications for performing flexible sigmoidoscopy
This type of procedure is part of the routine of many people, especially those who have had some gastrointestinal problem throughout their lives. For this reason, the examination has become an increasingly present requirement for the diagnosis of other diseases related or not to the large intestine, such as:
- Analyzing the state of the colon;
- Appearance of blood in the stool;
- Diagnosing causes of chronic diarrhea;
- Diagnosing cause of unexpected weight loss;
- Due to sudden rectal bleeding;
- Intestinal inflammations such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis;
- Checking alteration in routine exams;
- Checking cause of iron deficiency anemia.
Another very recurrent reason for requesting the examination is to analyze more precisely the possible diagnosis of colorectal cancer that are observed with the appearance of tumors that can appear in the colon and rectum or polyps.
Benefits of flexible sigmoidoscopy
The benefits of this procedure are very valid and assist the requesting physician in the best decision-making, regardless of the situation.
The main benefits are:
- Detailed analysis of irregularities;
- Early diagnosis of diseases.
In addition, a detailed examination like this contributes significantly to the prevention of potential irregularities.
Care and risks of flexible sigmoidoscopy
Problems can occur in any type of examination, from the simplest to the most complex. But, in this case, the possibility of something happening, such as perforations that cause bleeding, is remote.
The most common risk is swelling and the appearance of cramps due to the movements of the tube during the procedure. As a consequence, the patient may evacuate a few times.
Small drops of blood in the stool may also appear if the doctor has collected material for biopsy.
Differences between flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy
As they are exams that have similar objectives, even so, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy have some differences.
Colonoscopy aims to evaluate the entire large intestine and the end of the small intestine, while flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to analyze the lower portion of the large intestine and rectum.
The intestinal preparations required in both exams are also different, being simpler and faster in flexible sigmoidoscopy.
What diseases can be detected by flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Exams always detect something, even if inadvertently. However, some diseases are verified more effectively with the examination.
Among them…
- Causes of anemia
- Colorectal cancer;
- Causes of chronic diarrhea
- Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Rectal bleeding.
Regardless of the objective, it is very important to have regular exams.
Where to perform the flexible sigmoidoscopy exam?
Looking for a specialized and reference clinic in the care of the digestive system is super important, not only when we talk about flexible sigmoidoscopy, but also for other diseases related to the intestine.
Another interesting tip for those who have had intestinal problems or for those who are always looking to be up to date with updated information about the health of the gastric system are valuable contents.
And when it comes to good content, Gastroblog is the right place.
It is a site that always launches content directed at patients, with information about the most current and practical treatments. It also has the support of the best professionals and references in the treatment of the digestive system.
Access it now and take the opportunity to get in tune with the best content.
It will be incredible.
Best regards.
Image by pch.vector on Freepik
Doutor em Gastroenterologia pela FM-USP.
Especialista em Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo (HCFMUSP), Endoscopia Digestiva (SOBED) e Gastroenterologia (FBG).
Professor do curso de Medicina da Fundação Educacional do Município de Assis - FEMA.
Médico da clínica Gastrosaúde de Marília.