Cookies & Tracking Technologies Notification
This website uses cookies and tracking technologies to optimize your experience. Learn More
This website uses cookies and tracking technologies to optimize your experience. Learn More
A visual exam of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon, called the sigmoid colon, with an instrument called a flexible sigmoidoscope. This instrument shines light and allows the doctor to view the inside of the intestine (bowel) through a tiny video camera. Sigmoidoscopy can also be used to obtain tissue samples for testing.
Sigmoid colon, rectum
Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines and diagnoses problems inside the rectum and the sigmoid colon. The procedure is most often performed for the following reasons:
Your lower intestine must be completely cleaned out before the procedure. Any stool left in the intestine will block the doctor's view. This preparation may start several days before the procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions, which may include any of the following cleansing methods:
Ask when making the appointment about any medication restrictions; you may need to stop taking anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, 7-10 days before the procedure.
You may also need to stop taking iron supplements or vitamins containing iron.
The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Wear comfortable clothing.
You'll be positioned on your left side with knees bent and drawn up toward your chest, on your back with your feet in stirrups (as for a pelvic examination), or on a special table. Try to relax and breathe slowly and deeply.
For pediatric patients, the decision to use anesthesia is made on an individual case basis. Discuss this with your doctor.
The doctor first performs a digital rectal exam. Then the doctor slowly inserts the lubricated sigmoidoscope, which is about the thickness of a human finger, through the rectum and into the colon. The scope injects air into the colon to widen the passage. The doctor guides the instrument through the lower colon and examines the lining, looking for abnormalities. A small video camera in the sigmoidoscope lets the doctor view an image of the colon's lining and rectum. A tissue sample and/or intestinal polyps may be removed and analyzed.
Laboratory exam of the removed tissue.
20 - 30 minutes
None.
After removing the sigmoidoscope, the doctor will usually give a preliminary report. Depending on what your doctor finds, a complete colonoscopy may be recommended. A colonoscopy is a similar procedure using a flexible instrument that goes further into your colon than the sigmoidoscope. With this procedure, your entire colon can be examined, and polyps or other small growths can be removed for a biopsy. It may take 1-2 weeks for the results of a biopsy.