Department Name

The flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure is a visual examination of the rectum and distal portion of the colon, where most colorectal polyps and cancers occur. First, a colorectal surgeon inserts a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end into the rectum and up into the colon to look for abnormalities or polyps. Flexible sigmoidoscopy exams usually are performed in a hospital or doctor's office, and the patient may be given light sedation.

For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. The physician will insert a short, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a sigmoidoscope. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon and rectum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also lightly blows air into these organs, which slightly inflates them and helps the physician with the examination.

If anything unusual is in your rectum or colon, such as a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove a piece of it using instruments inserted into the scope. The physician will send that piece of tissue to our lab for further testing.

The flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes. During the procedure, you might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower abdomen. You will begin to feel better shortly after the air leaves your colon.

Preparation:

The colon and rectum must be completely empty for flexible sigmoidoscopy to be thorough and safe, you probably will be told to drink only clear liquids for 12 to 24 hours beforehand. A liquid diet means fat-free bouillon or broth, gelatin, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. The night before or right before the procedure, you may also be given an enema, which is a liquid solution that washes out the intestines. Please be aware of any other orders that your physician may give you prior to the procedure.

Recommended testing: Beginning at age 50, a flexible sigmoidoscopy should be conducted every 5 years.