To our valued patients:
We want you to know that your health and safety is our utmost priority. In light of the pandemic and in an effort to protect the health and safety of our patients, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Bal and staff at Arizona Gastroenterology Clinic LLC will be offering telemedicine services to our patients. Having a “virtual” visit by telephone or video conference will allow you to access your physician from the comfort and safety of your home or workplace. Please contact our office and the staff will schedule a telemedicine visit and provide you with the detailed instructions to conduct your appointment. Our location information is available on our website at azgastroliver.com

Very best regards from Dr. Bal and the staff at Arizona Gastroenterology Clinic LLC

Sigmoidoscopy

What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy or flex sig lets our physicians examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large intestine) by inserting a flexible tube into the anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and lower part of the colon.

What happens during a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually well tolerated.  You will lie on your side while our physician advances the sigmoidoscope through the rectum and colon.  As our physician withdraws the scope, he will carefully examine the lining of the intestine.  If our physician sees an area that needs further evaluation, he might take a biopsy (sample of the colon lining) to be analyzed.  Biopsies are used to identify many conditions.  If a polyp is found our physician may take a biopsy of them as well.  Polyps, which are growths from the lining of the colon, vary in size and types.

What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Our physician will explain the results to you when the procedure is completed.  You might feel bloated or some mild cramping because of the air that was passed into the colon during the procedure.  This will disappear quickly when you pass gas.  You should be able to eat and resume normal activities after the procedure.

COMMON REQUESTS