Clinical indications | Potential Complications | Referrals or access | Results | Insurance | Patients
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows the endoscopist to look directly at the lining of the rectum and sigmoid, the lower part of the large bowel (Colon). It is performed using a thin flexible tube (colonoscope) with a camera and a light on the tip which is used to look at the area being examined.
It also allows for
A sample of tissue (biopsy) to be taken for examination by the pathology
The removal of polyps (which are like little cherries) that can grow on the bowel wall
The treatment of haemorrhoids ( piles) with the injection of oily phenol
The procedure lasts 5 -15 minutes. It is usually not painful but can feel a little uncomfortable. Patients may feel a little bloaty or windy during the procedure which is carried out in the Endoscopy Unit.
The procedure is carried out to investigate particular symptoms which may include the following:
Complications are rare but may potentially include the following:
Failure of the procedure: This is usually a very successful procedure allowing the whole colon to be visualised in over 90% of cases. Occasionally it may not be possible to advance the instrument all the way around your colon and further tests such as a scan or x-ray may be required.
Drug Reaction. The sedation used for the procedure is usually very safe with only a very slight risk of a reaction.
Bleeding. If a polyp is found during the course of the procedure, this will be removed which may result in some bleeding. This bleeding can often be stopped straight away but may occasionally be more serious or even occur a few days later. Depending on the size, the risk of bleeding is 1 in 200 polyps removed. Many polyps are of the type which can turn into cancer if left untreated for a long period of time and removing them when still benign eliminates this risk. The other risk from removing a polyp is of making a hole in the bowel wall which would then require surgery.
Perforation / Peritonitis. It is possible to damage the large bowel lining making a hole. This allows bowel contents to escape causing severe inflammation in the abdomen (peritonitis). An operation is nearly always required to repair this hole. The risk of this happening is approximately 1 in every 2000 examinations.
Missed Pathology. It is important to remember that no test is perfect and even with complete examination significant disease may be missed in up to 5% of cases
After the procedure you may have some crampy pains and bloating which will pass soon after.
Appointments are by GP / Consultant referral only.
Further details about what happens once a referral is received are available here
In most cases, a report will be provided to patient s on the day of their procedure. A copy of the report will also be sent to the referring GP / Consultant.
Any blood or pathology results will be sent on to the referring GP / Consultant within 4 – 6 weeks or as soon as they are available.
The Bon Secours Hospital Dublin has excellent insurance cover with the different health insurance companies. We urge all patients to ensure directly with their insurance company that they are covered for a Sigmoidoscopy at the Bon Secours Hospital Dublin.
When contacting your insurance company, please quote Procedure Code: 450 (Sigmoidoscopy / Left Colonoscopy)
If you would like any further information about self pay options, please contact patient accounts on 01 8065351 for further details.
If you have received confirmation of your appointment at the Bon Secours Hospital Dublin, further details about how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect on the day are available here