What is flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon for abnormal growths or tissue. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a flexible, hollow tube called a sigmoidoscope into the anus and advances it slowly into the rectum and lower colon. If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor may remove a sample for further examination or biopsy. Pain medication and/or sedatives are not generally needed for this procedure.
What to expect during your procedure:
Checking in at the main desk
At check-in your child will receive an identification bracelet. You will be asked to verify the spelling of your child’s full name and birthdate.
Before the procedure:
A member of the pre-procedure care team will check your child’s health including weight, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level and time of last food and drink. Your child will also be asked if they completed the prep and the results of the prep.
A urine pregnancy test or signed pregnancy testing waiver for female patients or patients with a uterus 12 years or older, or menstruating, will be obtained. In the pre-procedure area, the patient will be asked to provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing. Pregnancy testing results will be disclosed to patient and parent/ legal guardian. A pregnancy testing waiver form is available as an alternative option.
The patient will then change into a clinic gown and robe.
Care Team Visits
You will meet with your child’s pre-procedure (admitting) nurse, gastroenterology physician, procedure room nurse, and anesthesia providers. They will explain the role they will play in the care of your child, and answer any questions and concerns you may have about your child’s procedure. The gastroenterology physician will explain the procedure and you will be asked to sign an Informed Consent Form, which states that you understand the procedure, the risks and benefits, and gives your permission to perform the procedure.
The anesthesia care professional will complete a health assessment of your child and explain the sedation that will be used. You will again be asked to sign an Informed Consent Form stating that you understand the anesthetic plan and give your permission for the anesthesia care professional to care for your child.
What to expect during the procedure:
Your child will be brought to the procedure room by the procedure care team. You will be directed to the family waiting room where you will be asked to wait and WiFi access is provided. It is important that at least one parent remain in the procedure center at all times in case the physician or other care team member needs to talk with you.
During your procedure the anesthesia provider will administer medications and monitor vital signs which is a process known as Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC). While most patients sleep through the procedure, some remain awake and aware. The anesthesiologist and/or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) will help determine the appropriate type of drug to be used during the procedure to keep you safe and comfortable. If abnormal tissue or polyps are found, the physician may remove them through the scope for closer examination or biopsy.
What to expect after the procedure?
After the procedure your child will be transferred to the recovery room to wake up from anesthesia. Each child and procedure is unique, so the length of time spent in recovery varies. Your child will have an IV after the procedure.
A registered nurse will check your child’s breathing, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturations throughout their stay in recovery. Once awake and feeling ready to drink your child will be offered liquids and a light snack.
Your child will be monitored for side effects which may include irritability, dizziness, occasional nausea/ vomiting, sore throat, headache, stomach ache and/or sleepiness.
The physician will talk with you about the initial results of your child’s procedures. Any tissue samples or polyps removed during the procedure will be sent to a lab for evaluation. It may take 5-7 working days for you to be notified of the results by mail or through the Patient Portal.
Leaving the procedure area
When your child is ready to leave the endoscopy center you will receive discharge instructions from your care team. The child must have an adult with them for 12 hours after the procedure is completed.
