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Sigmoidoscopy: What You Need To Know
Performing the Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure. It helps doctors check the lower part of your colon or large intestine. This area is called the sigmoid colon.
The doctor uses a tool, sigmoidoscope, for this task. The device is thin, flexible, and has a small video camera at one end. It provides images of your sigmoid colon on a monitor.
Before the procedure starts, you need to empty your bowel fully. You do it by taking strong laxatives or enemas that are given to you by your healthcare provider.
During the actual process, you lie on your side with knees bent towards your chest. The doctor then inserts the sigmoidoscope into your rectum and up into the sigmoid colon gently.
You may feel some pressure during insertion but not pain because there's no nerve ending in these areas. If needed, air can be pumped through this tube to inflate the bowel for better visibility.
This whole process takes 10 - 20 minutes approximately. Afterwards, results get analyzed by experts who look for any abnormalities like polyps or inflammation signs in those images taken from inside of your body. Remember: regular screenings like Sigmoidoscopies reduce colorectal cancer risks significantly!
During the Procedure
Firstly, informed consent is crucial. It means understanding all aspects of the trial before starting it. You sign papers indicating that you understand and agree to participate in the study.
Next comes baseline evaluation. Your current health state gets checked for comparison as the trial unfolds.
Then there's administration of treatment or placebo (if applicable). A placebo looks like treatment but doesn't have any active ingredients.
Finally, you will experience regular follow-ups, where researchers monitor your response to treatment and check on your overall wellbeing.
Remember, every participant’s journey is unique throughout a clinical trial procedure. Always feel free to ask questions at any stage during this process.
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Post-Sigmoidoscopy Experience
After a sigmoidoscopy, you may experience mild discomfort. This is normal. It's the result of air introduced into your colon during the procedure. Discomfort usually subsides after passing gas or having a bowel movement.
Rest and hydrate post-procedure. You'll be able to resume normal activities within 24 hours generally. But listen to your body; if you're tired, rest more.
Watch for complications like severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, dizziness or weakness. These are rare but serious signs that need immediate medical attention.
Remember: every patient's recovery differs slightly based on individual health factors and specific details of their procedure. Always follow personalized advice from your healthcare provider above all else.
Potential Complications After Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is generally safe. But complications may sometimes occur. Complications can include bleeding, perforation (a hole or tear in the colon), and infection.
Firstly, let's discuss bleeding. It could happen if a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken during the procedure. Usually, it's minor and stops on its own. Watch for signs like bloody stools or severe abdominal pain.
Secondly, perforation is rare but serious. It means there's a small hole in your colon wall caused by the sigmoidoscope (the instrument used). This can lead to infection and requires immediate medical attention.
Lastly, infections are also uncommon after sigmoidoscopy. They might occur if bacteria enter through any tears in your colon wall made during the procedure.
In conclusion, while these complications aren't common, they require immediate attention when they do occur. Stay aware of any unusual symptoms post-procedure such as fever, chills or prolonged abdominal discomfort.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
There are many resources available to aid you in understanding clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov is a key resource. It hosts a database of publicly and privately funded clinical trials conducted around the world. You can search by disease or condition, trial status, location and more.
Educational websites like MedlinePlus provide user-friendly information about health topics. They explain medical terms in plain language. Websites operated by patient advocacy groups often have links to relevant clinical trials too.
Books can be helpful as well. Titles such as "The Patient's Guide To Clinical Trials" offer comprehensive overviews of what to expect when participating in a trial.
Remember: research is power! Use these resources wisely and become an informed participant in your own healthcare journey.