Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) and rectum. It helps to detect abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, or signs of inflammation. This procedure is often used to investigate symptoms like unexplained abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits, and it is also used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer in certain individuals.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Q&A
What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Used For?
- Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer or precancerous polyps
- Investigating Rectal Bleeding or Unexplained Abdominal Pain
- Evaluating Changes in Bowel Habits (e.g., diarrhea, constipation)
- Monitoring Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s DiseaseP
- Screening for Colorectal Cancer, particularly in high-risk individuals
How is a flexible sigmoidoscopy performed?
You will follow a liquid diet on the day before your procedure and follow the preparation instructions given by your GILC provider. The procedure lasts about 15 minutes. You will be given a sedative to help you relax and reduce discomfort during the procedure. A flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted through your anus and guided through the colon to the sigmoid to assess for polyps of abnormalities in the colon. A flexible sigmoidoscopy only examines the lower part of the colon.