You will wear a hospital gown. On the morning of the procedure, eat a light breakfast and then use a cleansing enema about 1 hour before the sigmoidoscopy. The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. There will be a feeling of the need to defecate during the procedure. There may be some bloating or cramping from distention of the bowel by air or stretching by the sigmoidoscope.
Biopsies cause no discomfort.
After the test, you will expel the air that was introduced. The lining of the sigmoid colon, rectal mucosa , rectum, and anus appears normal in color, texture, and size. The cost depends on what needs to be done. If a polyp is removed for biopsy , there is an additional fee. If an anesthesiologist is needed or if a hospital stay is required, there are additional fees.