What are the complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Complications are extremely rare, but it is important that you know all the risks before you decide to go ahead with the test. Minor complications Some patients can experience abdominal discomfort or pain. Major complications There is a very small risk of making a hole in the bowel wall (a perforation) or causing bleeding. This occurs in approximately 1 in 15,000 examinations. A perforation usually requires an operation to repair it. Using sedation can cause breathing complications in up to 1 in 200 procedures, which usually are not serious. To reduce this risk, we monitor your pulse and oxygen levels at all times throughout the test. If you have severe pain, black tarry stools or persistent bleeding, you should contact your nearest A&E Department for further advice and also inform your consultant through the endoscopy unit staff, or, if after hours, the hospital switchboard 0207 586 5959.
