Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a sigmoidoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Perforation or puncture of the bowel wall

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Pre-existing heart or kidney condition
• Treatment with certain medicines, including aspirin and other drugs with anticoagulant or blood-thinning properties
• Prior abdominal surgery or radiation treatments

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Bleeding from your rectum—Notify your doctor if you pass a teaspoonful of blood or more.
• Black, tarry stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Hard, swollen abdomen
• Signs of infection, including fever or chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Chest pain or trouble breathing

In case of an emergency, call 911.