Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Center - Saint Charles, MO
Saint Charles 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 Saint Charles * SSM St Charles Clinic Medical Group  SSM St Charles Clinic Medical Group  SSM St Charles Clinic Medical Group  Boonslick Medical Group Inc  Boonslick Medical Group Inc  Boonslick Medical Group Inc  Multi-Care Medical PC  Gary D Koenig MD  Raymond F Mohrman & Patrick B McDonough MDs  Raymond F Mohrman & Patrick B McDonough MDs  Multi-Care Medical PC  Digestive Disorders Center  Caribe Gastroenterology  Drs Nyazee & Hakim LLC  Lawrence S Tierney MD PC  GI Consultants Inc  Digestive Disease Specialists  Digestive Disease Specialists  Digestive Disease Specialists  Digestive Disease Specialists  Digestive Disease Specialists  Midwest Therapeutic Endoscopy Consultants LLC  Midwest Therapeutic Endoscopy Consultants LLC  Specialists in Gastroenterology  Specialists in Gastroenterology  Specialists in Gastroenterology  Specialists in Gastroenterology  Specialists in Gastroenterology  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Ahmad A Karadaghy MD  Medical Specialists of St Luke's  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Dilip L Narayan MD  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Medical Specialists of St Luke's  Willowbrook Medical Center  Midwest Gastroenterology & Hepatology PC  Midwest Gastroenterology & Hepatology PC  John S Farrell MD  Midwest Gastroenterology & Hepatology PC  Midwest Gastroenterology & Hepatology PC  Midwest Gastroenterology & Hepatology PC  SJM GI Specialists  Specialty and Primary Care LLC  Drs Nyazee & Hakim LLC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Michele C Woodley MD PC  Digestive Disease Medical Consultants PC  Midwest Gastroenterology  Overland Medical Center  Dennis Brooks MD  Mack E McCain MD  St Louis Gastroenterology Associates PC  GI Inc  GI Inc  Stephen P Nicholas MD  Anna R Niesen MD  Gateway Specialists  Damon Clines MD  Kirkwood Medical Group LLC  Leyland A Thomas MD  Southwest Medical Center  Southwest Medical Center  Maryland Medical Group  Washington University School of Gastroenterology  Washington University School of Gastroenterology  Tara Talwar MD  David J Costigan MD  Banke Agarwal MD  St Louis Gastroenterology Consultants  Sanjay T Bhat MD PC  St Louis Gastroenterology Consultants  St Louis Gastroenterology Consultants  Mike H Giacaman MD  St Louis Gastroenterology Consultants  St Louis Gastroenterology Consultants  Edwardo Verzola MD  Patients First Health Care Digestive Disease Center  Patients First Health Care Digestive Disease Center  Patients First Health Care Digestive Disease Center  Mohideen A Jamaluddin MD  Barbara Dixon-Scott MD  Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases Inc  Raymond H Wilbers MD Saint Charles, MissouriUpcoming Local Events2012-06-09
2012-06-09
2012-06-17
2012-06-17
2012-06-17
2012-06-17
2012-06-30
2012-07-15
2012-07-21
2012-11-11
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 a colon polyp?Colon polyps are fleshy growths that occur on the inside (the lining) of the large intestine, also known as the colon. Polyps in the colon are extremely common, and their incidence increases as individuals get older. It is estimated that 50% of the people over the age of 60 will harbor at least one polyp. The significance of polyps is that we know that when certain types of polyps grow large enough, they can become cancerous, and, moreover, colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United Sates. Therefore, screening for colon polyps and removing them before they become cancerous should markedly reduce the incidence of colon cancer. What types of polyps become cancerous? Other Related Flexible Sigmoidoscopy ArticlesEmergency Contact for Saint Charles
Nearby Saint Charles Hospitals *SSM St Joseph Health Center SSM DePaul Health Center Barnes-Jewish St Peter's Hospital St John's Urgent Care Center Saint Peters Ranken Jordan Pediatric Rehabilitation Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Northwest HealthCare Center Pointe Hospital St Luke's Hospital St Luke's Urgent Care Center in St Charles St John's Mercy Medical Center St John's Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Dubuis Hospital of St Louis Missouri Baptist Medical Center St John's Mercy Urgent Care Center Shriners Hospital for Children Hawthorn Children's Psychiatric Hospital Christian Hospital NE Progress West HealthCare Center St Luke's Urgent Care Center at WingHaven St Luke's Urgent Care Center on Clarkson Road Des Peres Hospital SSM Rehab SSM St Mary's Health Center Metropolitan St Louis Psychiatric Center SSM St Joseph Hospital West Forest Park Community Hospital Select Specialty Hospital St Louis Barnes-Jewish Hospital North Campus Kindred Hospital St Louis Barnes-Jewish Hospital South Campus St Louis Children's Hospital The Rehabilitation Institute of St Louis St Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center St Louis VA Medical Center John Cochran Division Saint Louis University Hospital SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center SSM St Clare Health Center St Clare's Hospital St Anthony's Health Center St Luke's Urgent Care Center in Fenton Alton Memorial Hospital Gateway Regional Medical Center St Alexius Hospital Broadway Campus Kindred Hospital St Anthony's St Anthony's Medical Center SSM St Joseph Health Center Wentzville Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital St Louis VA Medical Center Jefferson Barracks Jersey Community Hospital Touchette Regional Hospital Lincoln County Medical Center Anderson Hospital Memorial Hospital Belleville St John's Mercy Hospital St Elizabeth's Hospital Belleville 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
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
21 articles-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Hirschsprung's Disease
- Hirschsprung's disease (Hirschsprung), is a disease of the nerve cells of of the large intestine. The primary symptom of Hirschsprung's disease is constipation. Hirschsprung's disease is diagnosed through barium enema, and treatment is surgery.
-
The Digestive System
- Digestion is the complex process of turning food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves creating waste to be eliminated, and is made of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food.
-
Melanosis Coli
- Melanosis coli is a condition that is often associated with prolonged laxative use.
-
Colon Cancer Prevention
- Colo-rectal cancer is both curable and preventable if it is detected early and completely removed before the cancerous cells metastasize to other parts of the body. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy (along with digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing) are both effective at preventing colo-rectal cancers and detecting early colo-rectal cancers.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Abdominal Pain
-
Medications
1 articles -
Procedures & Tests
5 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
2 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
3 articles -
Health News
5 articles -
Health Features
2 articles
