Gastroenterology Pearland, Houston, Bay City, Lake Jackson
Your GI Center
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an important diagnostic procedure offered at Your GI Center’s three convenient locations in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson. This minimally invasive examination allows our board-certified gastroenterologists to evaluate the lower portion of the colon, specifically the sigmoid colon and rectum, to diagnose and monitor various colorectal conditions. While colonoscopy examines the entire colon, flexible sigmoidoscopy focuses on the left side of the colon where many significant abnormalities occur, making it a valuable diagnostic tool for specific clinical situations.
Our experienced gastroenterologists, Dr. Nizam Meah and Dr. Siddiqui, perform flexible sigmoidoscopy procedures with the same attention to detail and patient comfort that characterizes all our endoscopic services. This procedure requires less preparation than colonoscopy and can often be performed without sedation, making it a convenient option for patients who need focused evaluation of the lower colon and rectum.
Info
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope to examine the inner lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon (the lower portion of the large intestine). The sigmoidoscope is equipped with a light source and high-definition camera that transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing your gastroenterologist to carefully inspect the tissue lining for any abnormalities, inflammation, or disease.
The sigmoidoscope is shorter than a colonoscope, typically measuring about 60 centimeters (24 inches) in length, and is designed to examine approximately the lower one-third of the colon. This focused examination allows for detailed evaluation of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and often the descending colon, areas where many colorectal conditions commonly occur. The procedure can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, as small polyps can be removed and tissue biopsies can be obtained during the examination.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an excellent first-line procedure for evaluating rectal bleeding, as many sources of lower gastrointestinal bleeding originate in the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure can identify hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory conditions, polyps, and other abnormalities that may cause bleeding. The direct visualization provided by sigmoidoscopy allows for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
Patients with known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis, often benefit from flexible sigmoidoscopy for diagnosis and monitoring. Ulcerative colitis typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally, making the areas examined by sigmoidoscopy particularly relevant for this condition. The procedure can assess disease activity, monitor treatment response, and detect complications such as dysplasia.
When patients experience persistent changes in bowel habits, such as new onset diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel patterns, flexible sigmoidoscopy can help identify structural abnormalities in the lower colon that might be responsible for these symptoms. The procedure can detect inflammatory conditions, strictures, masses, and other abnormalities that affect bowel function.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be valuable for evaluating lower abdominal pain when a colorectal cause is suspected. The procedure can identify inflammatory conditions,diverticular disease, masses, and other abnormalities in the sigmoid colon that commonly cause left lower quadrant abdominal pain.
One of the advantages of flexible sigmoidoscopy is that it requires minimal preparation compared to colonoscopy. Typically, patients are instructed to use one or two Fleet enemas on the morning of the procedure to cleanse the rectum and lower colon. Some patients may be prescribed a small-volume oral preparation. Dietary restrictions are usually minimal, often requiring only a light breakfast or clear liquids on the morning of the procedure.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy can often be performed without sedation, although mild sedation is available for patients who prefer it or when it is medically indicated. The procedure typically takes fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on the findings and any interventions that may be necessary. Patients are positioned on their left side, and the sigmoidoscope is gently inserted through the rectum and advanced through the sigmoid colon.
During the examination, your gastroenterologist carefully inspects the tissue lining, looking for any abnormalities such as inflammation, polyps, ulcers, or masses. Air may be introduced to inflate the colon slightly for better visualization, which can cause mild cramping or pressure sensations. If abnormalities are identified, tissue biopsies can be obtained for laboratory analysis, and small polyps can often be removed during the procedure.
At Your GI Center, patient comfort is a priority during flexible sigmoidoscopy. Our experienced gastroenterologists use gentle technique and take time to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Clear communication about what to expect and ongoing reassurance during the examination help minimize anxiety and discomfort. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and most patients can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
The limited bowel preparation required for flexible sigmoidoscopy makes it a convenient option for many patients. Unlike colonoscopy, which requires extensive dietary restrictions and bowel cleansing, sigmoidoscopy preparation typically involves only simple enemas and minimal dietary modifications.
Most flexible sigmoidoscopy procedures can be performed without sedation, allowing patients to drive themselves to and from the appointment and return to normal activities immediately. This eliminates the need for someone to accompany the patient and reduces recovery time.
The relatively short duration of flexible sigmoidoscopy makes it convenient for busy patients. Most procedures are completed within thirty minutes, and patients can typically leave the facility shortly after the examination is finished.
For conditions that primarily affect the lower colon and rectum, flexible sigmoidoscopy provides focused, detailed evaluation of the most relevant areas without the need for full colon examination.
While flexible sigmoidoscopy is an excellent procedure for many indications, it does have limitations that patients should understand. The procedure only examines the lower portion of the colon, so abnormalities in the ascending colon, transverse colon, or cecum will not be detected. For comprehensive colon cancer screening or evaluation of symptoms that could originate anywhere in the colon, colonoscopy remains the preferred procedure.
Your gastroenterologist will determine whether flexible sigmoidoscopy is the most appropriate procedure for your specific situation or whether colonoscopy would be more suitable. In some cases, sigmoidoscopy may be performed as an initialevaluation, with colonoscopy recommended if abnormalities are found or if symptoms persist.
12951 South Freeway Houston
TX 77047
(713) 436 8171
Convenient sigmoidoscopy services serving the greater Houston area.
720 Avenue F North Bay City
TX 77414
(979) 292-0033
Flexible sigmoidoscopy available Matagorda Country residents.
109 Parking Way
Lake Jackson, TX 77566
(979) 292-0033
Sigmoidoscopy services for the Brazosport area with minimal preparation required.
Results from flexible sigmoidoscopy are typically available immediately, and your gastroenterologist will discuss the findings with you before you leave. If tissue biopsies were obtained, results are usually available within a few days, and our staff will contact you with the results and any necessary follow-up recommendations.
Depending on the findings, follow-up care may include medication adjustments, dietary recommendations, surveillance examinations, or referral for additional procedures such as colonoscopy. Our medical team provides comprehensive care coordination to ensure that any identified conditions are appropriately managed.
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For evaluation of rectal bleeding, bowel changes, or inflammatory bowel disease monitoring.
Call 1-888-292-0010 to schedule your sigmoidoscopy at our convenient location.