Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Prep Instructions
Download and review the prep instructions for your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is flexible sigmoidoscopy? Answer
Q: What preparation is required? Answer
Q: What about my current medications? Answer
Q: What can be expected during flexible sigmoidoscopy? Answer
Q: What if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal? Answer
Q: What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy? Answer
Q: What are the possible complications of sigmoidoscopy? Answer
Description
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large bowel) by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of your finger into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and lower part of the colon.
(Image used by permission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.)
Sources of Additional Information
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- (An overview of flexible sigmoidoscopy.)
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- (An overview of flexible sigmoidoscopy, how to prepare, and how it's performed.)
Free Pamphlet From NDDIC: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
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Frequently Asked Questions: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
What is flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large bowel) by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of your finger into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and the lower part of the colon.TOP ^
The rectum and lower colon must be completely empty of waste materials for the procedure to be accurate and complete. Your physician will give you detailed instructions regarding the cleansing routine to be used. In general, preparation consists of one or two enemas prior to the procedure, but may include laxative or dietary modifications. In some circumstances, for example if you have acute diarrhea or colitis, your physician may advise you to forego any special preparation before the examination.TOP ^
What about my current medications?
Most medications may be continued as usual. You should inform your physician of all current medications, as well as any allergies to medications, several days prior to examination. However, drugs such as aspirin or anticoagulants (blood thinners) are examples of medications whose use should be discussed with your physician.TOP ^
What can be expected during flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. There is often a feeling of pressure, bloating, or cramping at various times during the procedure. You will be lying on your side while the sigmoidoscope is advanced slowly through the rectum and colon. As the instrument is slowly withdrawn, the lining of the intestine is carefully examined. The procedure usually takes 5-15 minutes.TOP ^
What if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal?
If your doctor sees an area that needs evaluation in greater detail, a biopsy (a sample of colon lining) may be obtained and submitted to the laboratory for greater analysis. If polyps (growths from the lining of the colon which vary in size) are found, they can be biopsied, but usually are not removed at the time of sigmoidoscopy. Polyps are of varying types, certain benign polys, known as "adenomas" are potentially precancerous. Certain other polyps ("hyper plastic" by biopsy analysis) may not require removal. Your doctor will likely request that you have a colonoscopy (a complete examination of the colon) to remove any large polyp that is found, or any small polyp that is found to be adenomatous after biopsy analysis.TOP ^
What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
After sigmoidoscopy, your physician will explain the results to you. You may have some mild cramping or bloating sensation because of the air that passed into the colon during the examination. This should disapper quickly with the passage of flatus (gas). You should be able to eat and resume your normal activities after leaving the doctor's office or hospital.TOP ^
What are the possible complications of sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy and biopsy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures.
Possible complications after flexible sigmoidoscopy are rare. It is important for you to recognize early signs of possible complications. Contact your physician if you notice any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fever and/or chills, or rectal bleeding of more than 1/2 cup. It is important to note that rectal bleeding can occur several days after biopsy.TOP ^
