Sigmoidoscopy NJ
– Taking a Look at
the Sigmoid Colon
Your gastrointestinal system is a complex part of the body and as we age, it becomes more important to be vigilant about any changes or anomalies you experience.
The colon is your body’s means for absorbing water and processing the food you eat to derive benefit from the nutrients contained in it. This is also how the body eliminates food by forming stool.
It’s in the lower third of the colon that what’s referred to as the sigmoid colon is found. This portion of the colon connects your rectum to your anus.
Sigmoidoscopy NJ
Also known as a flexible sigmoidoscopy, this procedure examines the sigmoid colon, employing a flexible tube equipped with a light and small camera. This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy but used when only the sigmoid colon requires examination, as opposed to the colon in its entirety.
A sigmoidoscopy is indicated when it’s necessary to check for anomalies like polyps, ulcers, abnormal cells and cancer. A small tissue sample is taken and sent to lab to check for abnormal cell growth.
The tube is inserted into the anus and air is used to slightly inflate your colon to create conditions which make the procedure more accurate by making the camera’s work easier.
While patients may find sigmoidoscopy NJ somewhat uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be painful, so patients are rarely sedated. Your doctor will need to communicate with you during the procedure, as you may need to shift position to facilitate the diagnostic.
A sigmoidoscopy takes between 10 and 20 minutes, after which you can return to your normal, daily activities. If you’ve been sedated, you’ll need someone to help you get home.
Symptoms Indicating Sigmoidoscopy
If you’re experiencing symptoms like:
It’s imperative that you notify you primary care physician.
This will prompt a referral to a gastroenterologist for a sigmoidoscopy.
Sigmoidoscopy NJ is a standard screening tool used to detect the source of dysfunction and for the detection of colon cancer.
If your family has a history of colorectal problems or colon cancer, it’s advisable that you be screened every 5 years after the age of 50.
Your Health, Our Priority
How To Prepare
Patient preparation for a sigmoidoscopy is very much like colonoscopy prep. Two hours prior, you’ll be administered one or more enemas to clear your sigmoid colon for examination.
For between 1 and 3 days before your sigmoidoscopy, you’ll be placed on a liquid diet to minimize the contents of your colon. Some physicians add a powdered laxative to the fluids you’re permitted as a measure to more thoroughly clean the colon.
Coffee or tea (without cream or sugar or anything else added), broth without fat, water, gelatin (Jell-O) and sports drinks with electrolytes are liquids permitted during your preparation for a sigmoidoscopy.
To be avoided is anything containing purple or red coloring, as these can mimic the appearance of blood.
Following these instructions is crucial to the success of sigmoidoscopy.
Sigmoidoscopy NJ is available with the team at Gastro Center of NJ