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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Procedure

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Animation Movie AvailableRelated Media: Lower GI Endoscopy

To see an animated version of this procedure, click Procedure InMotion .

Definition

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam of the rectum and lower colon (large intestine). The exam is done with a thin tube called a scope. The scope has a tiny camera on the end. It allows the doctor to see inside the rectum and colon.

Sigmoidoscopy.

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Reasons for Procedure

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to look for and treat problems in the rectum and lower colon. The most common reasons for the procedure are to:

  • Take tissue samples for testing—known as a biopsy
  • Look for the cause of lower belly pain, bleeding, or problems with passing stool
  • Look for and remove colon polyps —some polyps can become cancer
  • See if treatment for inflammatory bowel disease is working
  • Screen for colon and rectal cancers

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Past surgery or radiation therapy to the area
  • Long term health issues such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Increased bleeding from the rectum
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Severe belly pain
  • Hard, swollen belly
  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Problems passing gas or stool
  • Chest pain or trouble breathing

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/flexible-sigmoidoscopy-for-colorectal-cancer-screening.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/flexible-sigmoidoscopy.
  • Ko, C.W., Doria-Rose, V.P., et al. Screening flexible sigmoidoscopy versus colonoscopy for reduction of colorectal cancer mortality. International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2019; 34 (7): 1273-1281.
  • Understanding flexible sigmoidoscopy. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at: https://www.asge.org/list-pages/patient-informations/understanding-flexible-sigmoidoscopy.

Contributors

  • Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.