subject: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy And Rigid Sigmoidoscopy - Examinations For Irritable Bowel Syndrome [print this page] Flexible sigmoidoscopy, is the use of a flexible endoscope to be inserted in the anus to check the inner linings of the large intestine while rigid sigmoidoscopy has the same purpose but uses a rigid endoscope. In the past, rigid was the method used. But it has lost its popularity with the advent of flexible method.
Preparation plays a big part in the success of the procedure. The patient is instructed that he or she must have an empty bowel before the procedure is done. The diet must also be restricted to liquids only for 12 to 24 hours prior to the procedure. The liquid diet may include fat-free bouillon soup, gelatin, water, strained fruit juice, plain tea, plain coffee, and diet sodas. Colored liquids are big no nos.
The patient will also be given a laxative and an enema the night before the procedure will be done. This is to ensure that the bowel is totally empty.
During the procedure, the patient will not be given any sedatives. The patient is then set to a side-lying position on the left side. The doctor then inserts a short, lit tube called a sigmoidoscope into the rectum. It has a built-in air blower that is used to blow air to help inflate the organs. This will aid the doctor see the inner linings of the large bowel more clearly. The sigmoidoscope then transmits all the images it captures.
The whole procedure can last for as short as 10 minutes or as long as 20 minutes - it all depends on the assessment of the physician. If there is something unusual such as polyps or inflamed tissue, the physician may take samples and send it to the laboratory for further examination.
