Flexible sigmoidoscopy
About this test
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam to see inside the rectum and part of the large intestine. A flexible sigmoidoscopy (sig-moi-DOS-kuh-pee) exam is performed using a thin, flexible tube with a light, camera and other tools, called a sigmoidoscope. The large intestine is called the colon. The last section of the colon that connects to the rectum is called the sigmoid colon.
Why it's done
Your healthcare professional may use a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam to find the cause of: Belly pain that doesn't go away. Bleeding from the rectum. Changes in stool habits. Weight loss that isn't intended.
Risks and complications
A flexible sigmoidoscopy poses few risks. Rarely, complications of a flexible sigmoidoscopy may include: Bleeding from the site where a tissue sample was taken. A tear in the wall of the rectum or colon called a perforation.
How to prepare
Make plans for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Before a flexible sigmoidoscopy, you'll need to empty your colon. This preparation allows the lining of the colon to be seen clearly. To empty your colon, follow instructions carefully. You may be asked to do the following: Follow a special diet the day before the exam. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam. Your options will likely include: Fat-free broth. Plain water. Light-colored filtered juices, such as apple or white grape. Lemon, lime or orange sports drinks. Lemon, lime or orange gelatins. Tea and coffee without milk or cream. Use a bowel prep kit. Your healthcare professional will tell you what kind of bowel prep kit to use. These kits have medicines to clear stool from your colon. You will frequently pass stools, so you will need to be near the toilet. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Take doses at the time indicated in the instructions. A prep kit may have some combination of: Laxatives taken as pills or liquids that loosen stool. Enemas that are released into the rectum to clear it of stool. Adjust your medicines. At least a week before the exam, talk to your healthcare professional about any medicines, vitamins or supplements you take. This is especially important if you have diabetes, if you take medicines or supplements that contain iron, or if you take aspirin or other blood thinners. You may need to adjust your dosages or stop taking the medicines temporarily.
Understanding your results
Some results of a sigmoidoscopy can be shared right after the test. Some results may require lab studies. Your healthcare professional can explain whether the results were negative or positive. A negative result means your exam found no irregular tissues. A positive result means that your healthcare professional found polyps, cancer or other diseased tissue. If polyps or biopsies were taken, they will be sent to a lab to be examined by a specialist. Also, if a sigmoidoscopy shows polyps or cancer, you'll likely need a colonoscopy to find or remove other tissues in the entire colon. If the quality of the video imaging was poor because of unsuccessful bowel prep, your healthcare professional may schedule a repeat test or other screening or diagnostic tests.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.