Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Center - Leominster, MA
Leominster Gastroenterologist Doctors for Flexible SigmoidoscopyType of Physician: Gastroenterologist What is a Gastroenterologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated. Specialty: Gastroenterology Common Name: GI Doctor Gastroenterologist Doctors in Leominster * Naveen Pandaraboyina MD  Elliot J Feinberg MD  Edmund J Taylor MD  Richard Schwartz MD  Middlesex Gastroenterology  Fallon Clinic Gastroenterology  Fallon Clinic Gastroenterology  Fallon Clinic Gastroenterology  Fallon Clinic Gastroenterology  Fallon Clinic Gastroenterology  A Tariq Malik MD  UMass Memorial Gastroenterology  UMass Memorial Gastroenterology  UMass Memorial Gastroenterology  UMass Memorial Medical Center Psychiatry  G I Liver Group  G I Liver Group  Guenter L Spanknebel MD  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  UMass Medical Center Weight Center  Associates in Gastroenterology PC  New England Gastroenterology Associates PC  New England Gastroenterology Associates PC  Associates in Gastroenterology PC  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  UMass Medical Center Gastroenterology  Elise A Jacques MD  T Edward Bynum MD  Digestive & Liver Disease Group  Peter Tomaiolo MD  Middlesex Gastroenterology  Middlesex Gastroenterology  Mark P Epstein MD  Andrea Fribush MD  Gastroenterology Consultants of Greater Lowell  Gastroenterology Consultants of Greater Lowell  Gastroenterology Consultants of Greater Lowell  Gastroenterology Consultants of Greater Lowell  Greater Boston Gastroenterology  Greater Boston Gastroenterology  Greater Boston Gastroenterology  Greater Boston Gastroenterology  Greater Boston Gastroenterology  Greater Boston Gastroenterology  Digestive Health Specialists  Digestive Health Specialists  Digestive Health Specialists  Digestive Health Specialists  Digestive Health Specialists  Milford Gastroenterology Associates Inc  Milford Gastroenterology Associates Inc  Milford Gastroenterology Associates Inc  Milford Gastroenterology Associates Inc  Milford Gastroenterology Associates Inc  Michael Pisick MD  Lawrence Handler MD  John G Stagias MD  T K Thomas MD  Mount Auburn Healthcare at Waltham  Lahey Medical Center Lexington Internal Medicine  Gastroenterology Healthcare Associates PC  Gastroenterology Healthcare Associates PC  Newton Wellesley Hospital Gastroenterology  Carla H Ginsburg MD  Gastroenterology Healthcare Associates PC  R J Klingenstein MD  Alexander Kopp MD PC  Gastroenterology Healthcare Associates PC  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates  Lahey Clinic Gastroenterology  Lahey Clinic Gastroenterology  Eric D Goldberg MD  Lahey Clinic Gastroenterology  Lahey Clinic Gastroenterology  Lahey Clinic Gastroenterology  Lahey Burlington Gastroenterology  Lahey Burlington Gastroenterology  Lahey Burlington Gastroenterology  Lahey Burlington Gastroenterology  Lahey Burlington Gastroenterology  Quaboag Gastroenterology  Lahey Burlington Gastroenterology  Van Ritter MD  Women's Health Associates  Women's Health Associates  Women's Health Associates  Daniel M Friedlander MD  Digestive Health Associates  Digestive Health Associates  Digestive Health Associates  Robert F Kelliher MD  Lahey Clinic Arlington Internal Medicine  Lahey Clinic Arlington Internal Medicine  Michael T Foley MD  St Elizabeth Medical Center Gastroenterology Leominster, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-05-26
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Flexible SigmoidoscopyRead the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy article » What is flexible sigmoidoscopy?Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the rectum and the lower (sigmoid) colon. The flexible sigmoidoscope is a flexible tube 60 cm long and about the thickness of your little finger. It is inserted gently into the anus and advanced slowly into the rectum and the lower colon. It is an accurate and simple method of investigating the cause of rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, and rectal symptoms such as pain and diarrhea. Flexible sigmoidoscopy also is a part of colon screening and surveillance for colon cancer. For more, please read the Colon Screening and Surveillance article. What is the preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy?In order to obtain accurate results, the rectum and the lower colon must be completely clean of stool. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to cleanse your colon. In general, this requires the use of one or two enemas prior to the procedure and may also call for a laxative and some dietary modifications. Under special circumstances, such as the presence of significant diarrhea, the preparation may be waived. Do I continue my medications for flexible sigmoidoscopy?In general, you can continue to take your regular medicines. You should, however, inform your doctor of all the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking as well as any allergies you may have. Certain drugs increase the risk of bleeding if biopsies are performed; these include aspirin, blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), and NSAIDs such as Motrin and Advil. Your doctor may ask you to stop these medications for several days before the procedure. You should also alert your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve, hip or knee prosthesis, or have a disease of the heart valves such as mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis, or mitral regurgitation. Patients with these conditions may need a... Recommended Reading Related to Flexible SigmoidoscopyWhat is Ulcerative Colitis?Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. In patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcers and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon lead to symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is closely related to another condition of inflammation of the intestines called Crohn's disease. Together, they are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's diseases are chronic conditions that can last years to decades. They affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people In the United States. Men and women are affected equally. They most commonly begin during adolescence and early adulthood, but they also can begin during childhood and later in life. ...Other Related Flexible Sigmoidoscopy ArticlesEmergency Contact for Leominster
Nearby Leominster Hospitals *HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Campus Health Alliance Burbank Hospital UMass Memorial Clinton Hospital Nashoba Valley Medical Center Heywood Hospital UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus Westborough State Hospital Adcare Hospital of Worcester Worcester State Hospital UMass Memorial Medical Center Memorial Campus St Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough St Joseph Hospital Emerson Hospital Southern New Hampshire Medical Center HC Solomon Mental Health Center Lowell General Hospital Athol Memorial Hospital MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital Saints Medical Center Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Monadnock Community Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Natick MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital Lahey Clinic Medical Center Tewksbury Hospital Newton Wellesley Hospital Milford Regional Medical Center Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center McLean Hospital HEALTHSOUTH New England Rehabilitation Hospital Baystate Mary Lane Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Isham Health Center Winchester Hospital Parkland Medical Center Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Medical Center Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center Lawrence General Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Northeast Rehabilitation Health Network Franciscan Hospital for Children Kindred Hospital Boston Lawrence Memorial Hospital Harrington Memorial Hospital Somerville Hospital Hubbard Regional Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus Arbour HRI Hospital Bournewood Hospital Youville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center Cambridge Hospital Westwood Lodge Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Flexible Sigmoidoscopy by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Abdominal Pain
- Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of the blood supply to an organ. Abdominal pain can reflect a major problem with one of the organs in the abdomen such as the appendix, gallbladder, large and small intestine, pancreas, liver, colon, duodenum, and spleen.
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Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool, Hematochezia)
- Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe and most bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and more.
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Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated constipation, but occasionally associated with chronic diarrhea. If untreated, hemorrhoids can worsen, protruding from the anus. Also known as piles.
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Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
- Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Diverticulitis symptoms include: abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Treatment methods include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.
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Diarrhea
- Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency are all symptoms of diarrhea. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
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Constipation
- Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
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Anal Itching
- Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain disease and infections. Treatment options include local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, protectants, astringents, antiseptics, keratolytics, analgesics, and corticosteroids. If condition persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.
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Colon Cancer
- Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
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Anal Fissure
- An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining of the anus. Pain and/or rectal bleeding during bowel movements are common symptoms of anal fissures. Treatment involves increasing liquid intake, using stool softeners and avoiding foods that may not be well-digested.
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Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis)
- Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile spores are found frequently in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and nurseries for newborn infants. They can be found on bedpans, furniture, toilet seats, linens, telephones, stethoscopes, fingernails, rings, floors, infants' rooms, and diaper pails. They even can be carried by pets. Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using antibiotics. Treatment for C. difficile colitis hydration, replenishment of electrolyte deficiencies, discontinuing the antibiotic that caused the colitis, and using antibiotics to eradicate the C. difficile bacterium.
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Ulcerative Colitis
- Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is closely related to Crohn's disease, and together they are referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment depends upon the type of ulcerative colitis diagnosed.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common gastrointestinal disorder involving abnormal gut contractions (motility) characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, mucous in stools, and irregular bowel habits with alternating diarrhea and constipation, symptoms that tend to be chronic and to wax and wane over the years. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management to control symptoms. Also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis, nervous colon syndrome.
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Anal Cancer
- Anal cancer, cancer located at the end of the large intestine, has symptoms that include anal or rectal bleeding, anal pain or pressure, anal discharge or itching, a change in bowel movements, and/or a lump in the anal region. Treatment for anal cancer may involve radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery and depends upon the stage of the cancer, its location, whether cancer is eradicated after the first treatment, and whether the patient has HIV.
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Colon Polyps
- A colon polyp is a benign tumor of the large intestine. Benign polyps do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Benign polyps can easily be removed during colonoscopy and are not life threatening. If benign polyps are not removed from the large intestine, they can become malignant over time.
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Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis and Collagenous Colitis)
- Microscopic colitis (lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis) is a disease of inflammation of the colon. Microscopic colitis is only visible when the colon's lining is examined under a microscope. The cause of microscopic colitis is not known. Symptoms of microscopic colitis are chronic watery diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramps. Microscopic colitis is diagnosed through biopsies of several areas of the colon. There is no standardized treatment for microscopic colitis; however, eliminating NSAIDs, and treatment medications such as Imodium, Lomotil, Petpo-Bismol, Entocort EC, and mesalamine (Asacol) have been helpful in some individuals.
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Hirschsprung's Disease
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The Digestive System
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Melanosis Coli
- Melanosis coli is a condition that is often associated with prolonged laxative use.
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Colon Cancer Prevention
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Disease Prevention in Women
- Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
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Disease Prevention in Men
- Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in your own health care and discuss screening tests with your doctor early in life. Age of screening and timing of screening depends upon the condition being assessed.
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