A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a visual exam of the rectum and lower portion of the colon (large intestine). The exam is done with a tool called a flexible sigmoidoscope. The sigmoidoscope is a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. This instrument allows the doctor to see inside your rectum and colon.
It is used to examine and diagnose problems inside your rectum and lower colon. The procedure is most often done to:
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:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
Your lower intestine must be completely cleaned out before the procedure. Any stool left in the intestine will block the view. This preparation may start several days before the procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions, which may include any of the following cleansing methods:
Your doctor will likely do the following before the procedure:
Your doctor may sedate you to decrease discomfort.
You will be positioned either on your left side with knees bent and drawn up toward your chest, on your back with your feet in stirrups, or on a special table. Try to relax, and breathe slowly and deeply. The doctor will do a rectal exam with his finger first. Then, the lubricated sigmoidoscope will be slowly inserted into your rectum. The scope is about the same thickness as a human finger. The scope will be passed through the rectum and into the colon. It will inject air into the colon to widen the passage and make it easier to see the walls.
The scope will provide a video of the colon lining as it moves along. The doctor will watch the video images to look for any abnormalities. A tissue sample and/or polyps may be removed.
The procedure typically lasts about 20–30 minutes.
Most people report some discomfort when the instrument is inserted. You may feel cramping, muscle spasms, or lower abdominal pain during the procedure. You may also feel the urge to move your bowels. Tell the doctor if you feel any severe pain.
After the procedure, gas pains and cramping are common. These pains should go away with the passing of gas.
If any tissue was removed:
The doctor will usually give an initial report after the scope is removed. Other tests may be recommended.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://secure.cihi.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp . Accessed July 21, 2009.
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=2 . Accessed July 21, 2009.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/sigmoidoscopy/ . Updated November 2008. Accessed July 21, 2009.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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