Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Treatment in India
About Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with a thin, flexible scope.Primarily examines the rectum and sigmoid colon (lower third of the large intestine).Often requires no sedation or only light sedation, allowing for a quicker recovery.Less extensive bowel preparation is needed compared to a full colonoscopy.Effective for screening, diagnosing causes of rectal bleeding, and detecting polyps.Typically an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay required./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as chronic diarrhea or constipation.
- Abdominal pain or cramping localized to the lower left side.
- Screening for colorectal cancer or polyps in individuals at average risk (often starting at age 45-50).
- Investigation of abnormal findings from other tests, like a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT).
- Monitoring known conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease affecting the lower colon.
- Evaluation of suspected diverticular disease.
How to prepare
- Bowel cleansing is required, typically involving one or more enemas a few hours before the procedure to clear the lower colon.
- You may be asked to follow a clear liquid diet (broth, gelatin, clear juices) for 24 hours beforehand.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), which may need to be temporarily adjusted.
- Discuss any allergies, especially to medications or latex.
- Arrange for transportation home if sedation is planned, though it is often not required.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor bleeding from the site of a biopsy or polyp removal.
- Perforation (a tear in the colon wall) is a rare but serious complication.
- Abdominal discomfort, cramping, or bloating during or after the procedure.
- Reaction to sedation, if used (e.g., breathing difficulties, low blood pressure).
- Infection is very uncommon.
- Incomplete examination due to inadequate bowel preparation or anatomical issues.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You can usually resume normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure.
- If sedation was used, you will be monitored until the effects wear off and must not drive for the rest of the day.
- You may experience mild gas, bloating, or cramping, which should resolve quickly.
- A small amount of blood in the first bowel movement can be normal, especially after a biopsy.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or heavy rectal bleeding.
- Your gastroenterologist will discuss preliminary findings after the procedure, with biopsy results typically available in a few days.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time:
0-1 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering flexible sigmoidoscopy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for flexible sigmoidoscopy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform flexible sigmoidoscopy. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for flexible sigmoidoscopy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy.
vijayawada, India
44 Doctors
Aadya Jones, a 42-year-old high school...
Aadya Jones, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had always been health-conscious. For six months, she experienced persistent rectal bleeding and a change in her bowel habits, with pencil-thin stools. Her paternal grandfather had died from colon cancer, which heightened her anxiety. Her primary care physician, noting her symptoms and family history, referred her to a gastroenterologist. The doctor recommended a flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the lower part of her colon. Aadya was terrified of the procedure and the potential findings, fearing the worst for her family. The preparation was unpleasant, but the procedure itself, performed with sedation, was quick and painless. The doctor found and removed a benign, bleeding polyp. The recovery was straightforward, with some mild cramping and bloating that resolved within a day. Aadya felt an immense wave of relief and gratitude. The emotional weight of uncertainty was lifted, transforming her fear into proactive vigilance about her future health screenings.
Gastroenterologists for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform flexible sigmoidoscopy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Gem Hospital Aminjikarai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Gem Hospital Aminjikarai, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 40 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore