Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Center - Vista, CA
Vista 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 Vista * North County Gastroenterology  North County Gastroenterology  North County Gastroenterology  North County Gastroenterology  North County Gastroenterology  North County Gastroenterology  Coastal Gastroenterology  Piyush P Kumar MD  Coastal Gastroenterology  Ronald Feldman MD  Scripps Clinic Encinitas  Mark L Kadden MD  Temecula Valley Digestive Disease Consultants AMC  Temecula Valley Digestive Disease Consultants AMC  Pritam Singh MD  Scripps Clinic Carmel Specialites  Scripps Clinic Carmel Specialites  Scripps Clinic Carmel Specialites  Scripps Clinic Carmel Specialites  San Diego Digestive Consultants Inc  Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Gastroenterology  Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Gastroenterology  Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Gastroenterology  Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Gastroenterology  Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Gastroenterology  Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Gastroenterology  Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Gastroenterology  David Bortz MD  La Jolla Gastroenterology  Frank Mayer MD  La Jolla Gastroenterology  La Jolla Gastroenterology  Donald J Ritt MD  La Jolla Gastroenterology  Inland Empire Gastro Medical Group  Inland Empire Gastro Medical Group  Inland Empire Gastro Medical Group  Ritchken & First MDs  Bruce Sahba MD Inc  Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group Gastroenterology & Surgery  Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group Gastroenterology & Surgery  Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group Gastroenterology & Surgery  Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group Gastroenterology & Surgery  Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group Gastroenterology & Surgery  Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group Gastroenterology & Surgery  San Diego Digestive Disease Consultants Inc  San Diego Digestive Disease Consultants Inc  San Diego Digestive Disease Consultants Inc  San Diego Digestive Disease Consultants Inc  San Diego Digestive Disease Consultants Inc  San Diego Digestive Disease Consultants Inc  San Diego Digestive Disease Consultants Inc  Kaiser Medical Center  Kaiser Medical Center  Kaiser Medical Center  Kaiser Medical Center  Kaiser Medical Center  Kaiser Medical Center  University of California San Diego Medical Center Gastroenterology  University of California San Diego Medical Center Gastroenterology  Tarek Hassanein MD  Epsten Haynes DelaPena & DuBois MDs  Epsten Haynes DelaPena & DuBois MDs  Epsten Haynes DelaPena & DuBois MDs  Internal Medicine Associates  Epsten Haynes DelaPena & DuBois MDs  Center for Family Health  John Ponsiglione MD  Vijayalakshmi S Pratha MD  Tuan T Nguyen MD  Banaie Medical Corporation  Banaie Medical Corporation  Ali Diba MD  Sam J Elsheikh MD  Nav Gujral MD  Rokay G Kamyar MD & Mohammad R Soleimanpour MD  Rokay G Kamyar MD & Mohammad R Soleimanpour MD  Karen Gordon MD  Desta Digestive Disease Medical Center  Gastroenterology Associates  Iman I Mikhail MD  Gastroenterology Associates  Mission Internal Medical Group  Mission Internal Medical Group  Mission Internal Medical Group  Mission Internal Medical Group  J Frank Arguello MD  Mission Internal Medical Group  Gastrointestinal Healthcare of Orange County  Orange County Gastroenterology  Orange County Gastroenterology  Ali A Oliai MD  Poneh Rahimi MD  Pacific Gastroenterology  Shahram Javaheri MD  South Orange County Gastroenterology  Saddleback Medical Group  Saddleback Medical Group  Saddleback Medical Group  John J Duque MD Vista, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-05-28
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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 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 Vista
Nearby Vista Hospitals *Tri-City Medical Center Palomar Medical Center Encinitas Nursing & Rehabilitation Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas Fallbrook Hospital Aurora Behavioral Healthcare Pomerado Hospital Scripps Green Hospital Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla UCSD Thornton Hospital VA San Diego Health Care System La Jolla Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Rancho Springs Medical Center Inland Valley Medical Center Sharp Memorial Hospital Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women Rady Children's Hospital San Diego Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center Saddleback Memorial Medical Center San Clemente San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital Alvarado Hospital San Diego Hospice San Diego Rehabilitation Institute UCSD Medical Center Hillcrest Kindred Hospital San Diego Scripps Mercy Hospital Vibra Hospital of San Diego Sharp Grossmont Hospital Promise Hospital of San Diego Naval Medical Center San Diego 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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