Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a common procedure to check the health of the lower part of the colon. A sigmoidoscopy can find the cause of problems such as changes in your bowel movements, bloody stool, belly pain, and weight loss.
Flexible SigmoidoscopyFlexible sigmoidoscopy is a common procedure to check the health of the lower part of the colon. A sigmoidoscopy can find the cause of problems such as changes in your bowel movements, bloody stool, belly pain, and weight loss.The colon is commonly known as the large intestine. It’s a hollow tube that runs between your small intestine and your rectum. The food you eat travels through your colon, where nutrients and water are absorbed. The leftover waste becomes stool that exits your body through the anus.Your colon is shaped a bit like an upside-down letter “U” with a tail at the end. As it travels up the right side of your abdomen, it is called the ascending colon. As it crosses the body under your liver, it is called the transverse colon, and the part that turns and goes down the left side of your abdomen is called the descending colon. The sigmoid colon is the part that bends back toward the middle of the body and down into the rectum.The lining of the colon can sometimes have problems. It may have ulcers, or sores that bleed. It may have areas that are inflamed. And it may have small growths called polyps [“pahl'-ip”]. All of these can cause symptoms such as pain or diarrhea, or be signs of cancer.It is important to have any polyps removed because they can turn into colon cancer. If you have polyps in your sigmoid colon, your health care provider will probably suggest that you have a colonoscopy to see inside your entire colon.Before the ProcedureYou'll need to clean out your colon and rectum before having a sigmoidoscopy. Your health care provider will give you detailed instructions for how to prepare. You may need to have a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure. You may also need a laxative or enema the night before. You'll want to be near a bathroom during this time.What to ExpectA sigmoidoscopy takes 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll be awake during the test. If you have concerns, you can ask your health care provider about having a sedative before the test starts.During your sigmoidoscopy, your health care provider uses a special flexible tool called a sigmoidoscope. The tip of the scope is inserted into the anus. As it’s moved into the rectum, air will flow into your rectum to help it expand. If you’re awake during the procedure, you may feel some cramping or have a feeling like you need to have a bowel movement. You may be able to watch the video screen and see the inside of your rectum.Growths called polyps (PAHL-lips) may be found in your rectum. Your health care provider may use special tools inside the scope to remove the polyps. A sample of tissue may also be taken to test in a lab. This is called a biopsy.After the ProcedureIf you had sedation, you will need to rest a while after the test. You will need someone to drive you home. It is normal to have a lot of gas after your test.The results of your tests will be ready in a week or two. Your health care provider will talk with you about the results and any further treatment that may be needed.Things to RememberSigmoidoscopy can help find the cause of symptoms such as bleeding or a change in bowel movements.Sigmoidoscopy is done to look at the lower part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon. It doesn’t look at the whole colon.If polyps are found in your sigmoid colon, you may need a colonoscopy to look at the rest of your colon.What We Have LearnedSigmoidoscopy can find problems in the entire colon. True or False?The answer is false. A sigmoidoscopy only looks at the sigmoid colon. This is the lower part of the colon.You’ll be awake during the procedure. True or False? The answer is true. But if you have concerns, you can ask your health care provider about taking a sedative before the test.
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2020
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