Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

The colon, or large intestine, is divided into four sections, and each section has their own responsibilities to keep waste moving through you properly. The lower part is known as the sigmoid colon. It’s about 16 inches long and is where the body stores and pushes feces out.

When you start to have digestive problems in the lower part of the colon, it can lead to pain, blood in your stool or colorectal cancer.

What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy allows our gastroenterologists to view the sigmoid colon. This procedure can take 15-30 minutes and requires a flexible tube about the size of your index finger to be inserted into the anus, where it is slowly pushed to the lower part of the colon.

Benefits of a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

The flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure can diagnose the cause of your:

• Abnormal growths (polyps)
• Belly pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding

It can also detect colon or rectal diseases, like colorectal cancer, and allows your care team to provide the best treatment plan.

When Would I Need a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

One of our providers may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy to determine if you have:

• Inflammation
• Sores (ulcers)
• Tumors
• Pouches along the colon wall

It can also diagnose why you might be experiencing hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in your rectum and anus.

Know Before You Go

When you are scheduled for a flexible sigmoidoscopy, one of our digestive health specialists will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.