Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to examine the lining of your lower large intestine.
If you are experiencing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, this targeted exam allows our specialists to look directly inside the lower colon to find the root cause and get you on the path to relief.
When Is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Recommended?
Our team typically utilizes this procedure to evaluate a variety of lower gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
Unexplained abdominal pain
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Persistent changes in bowel habits (such as chronic diarrhea or constipation)
Sigmoidoscopy vs. Colonoscopy: A sigmoidoscope is a slim, flexible instrument equipped with a miniature camera—essentially a shorter version of the scope used during a colonoscopy. Because it only examines the lower third of the colon, it is rarely used as a standalone colon cancer screening. For a comprehensive, full-colon screening, our team usually recommends a standard colonoscopy.
How to Prepare for Your Procedure
To ensure an accurate exam and clear results, the rectum and lower colon must be completely free of stool. Our office will provide you with detailed, easy-to-follow cleansing instructions (usually involving a mild laxative or a brief at-home enema) before your appointment.
Important Medication Review
Please inform your physician about any medical conditions you manage and all medications you take. We will carefully review your list and let you know if you need to temporarily adjust or pause:
Blood thinners or anti-clotting medications
Aspirin or medications containing aspirin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
Arthritis medications
Diabetes medications
Iron supplements or vitamins containing iron
What to Expect During the Procedure
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is exceptionally efficient. The entire appointment takes about 20 to 30 minutes, while the actual procedure itself takes 10 minutes or less. It is conveniently performed right in our advanced endoscopy center or during a routine office visit.
Comfort & Sedation: Because the procedure is so quick and localized, sedation is not usually required. However, depending on your specific health history, preferences, and the exact reason for the test, your doctor will discuss whether a light sedative is right for you.
The Exam: Your GI specialist will gently insert the lubricated sigmoidoscope and guide it through the rectum into the sigmoid colon. The scope introduces a small amount of air to gently inflate the colon, giving your doctor a clear view of the tissue lining.
A Closer Look: High-definition video images are projected onto a monitor in real-time. Once the scope reaches the furthest point comfortably possible, your physician will carefully withdraw it, evaluating the lining a second time in even greater detail.
Immediate Actions: If your doctor spots any small polyps, they can be safely removed right on the spot. Your physician can also take a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) to be analyzed in our advanced pathology lab.
Note: Depending on what we find, our team may occasionally recommend a follow-up, full-colon colonoscopy or further testing to ensure a comprehensive diagnosis.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Immediate Return to Routine: Because sedation is rarely used, you can safely drive yourself home and immediately return to your normal diet, work, and daily activities.
What is Normal: It is completely normal to experience mild abdominal bloating or slight cramping during the first hour after the test. This is simply the air used during the exam naturally clearing your system.
Understanding Risks & Alternatives
Are There Risks?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exceptionally safe, routine procedure, and complications are rare and usually minor. Potential but infrequent risks include minor localized bleeding, a small tear in the lining of the colon, or temporary abdominal discomfort. Our clinical team takes every advanced precaution to keep you safe and comfortable.
What Are My Alternatives?
If you are looking to evaluate your lower digestive tract, you have options, though a sigmoidoscopy provides unique benefits:
Full Colonoscopy: This remains the preferred and most comprehensive method for full-colon screening, polyp removal, and cancer prevention.
Imaging (CT Scans or Barium Enemas): Specialized X-rays or CAT scans can assess the general structure of the large bowel from the outside. However, imaging cannot reveal the intricate details of the inner lining, nor does it allow our doctors to take tissue biopsies or remove precancerous polyps.