Flexible sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that examines the lower part of your colon, specifically the sigmoid colon. This test serves as a valuable tool for colorectal screening to detect colon cancer and diagnose various gastrointestinal disorders, offering a less invasive alternative to a colonoscopy and other GI imaging tests.

What to expect during a flexible sigmoidoscopy

During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, you'll lie on your side with your knees drawn toward your belly, and unlike a colonoscopy, no sedation is administered.

Your doctor will insert a sigmoidoscope, which is a tube with an attached camera and a light. The camera transmits images to a monitor for your doctor's examination, with the entire procedure typically taking 15 to 20 minutes, or longer if tissue biopsy is required.

Should a polyp be detected, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, and you may experience mild discomfort, bloating or gas afterward, which can be alleviated by walking.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy vs. colonoscopy

Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are crucial for screening and diagnosing GI disorders and both use a camera-equipped tube to inspect the colon. However, flexible sigmoidoscopy focuses solely on the sigmoid colon, situated in the lower part of the large intestine, while a colonoscopy examines the entire large intestine.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening is conducted every five years, compared to colonoscopy screening every 10 years. While colonoscopy is the primary test for colon cancer, sigmoidoscopy is typically used to investigate rectal bleeding, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Advantages and disadvantages of a flexible sigmoidoscopy

Colorectal screening plays a pivotal role in the early detection of colon cancer, and in addition to its minimally invasive nature, flexible sigmoidoscopy can identify polyp formations before they develop into cancer.

Advantages of a flexible sigmoidoscopy

• Precisely detects lower colon polyps
• Typically doesn't require sedation
• Shorter procedure duration
• Offered by many primary care providers in their offices

Disadvantages of a flexible sigmoidoscopy

• Incomplete polyp removal, but a biopsy can be performed
• Some people find the procedure uncomfortable
• Slight risk of bleeding
• Limited to inspecting part of the colon
• Requires enema or laxative preparation

Preparing for your flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure

Your doctor will guide you in preparing for a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which may involve:

• Following a liquid diet 24 hours before the test
• Eliminating dairy products the day before the test
• Using laxatives or an enema the night before the exam
• Adjusting or stopping medications, such as iron supplements, aspirin or other blood thinners before the test. Your doctor will give you guidance on how to adjust or when to stop taking medications prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Recovering from a flexible sigmoidoscopy

You can typically resume your regular diet and activities post-procedure, unless your doctor advises otherwise. You may experience slight discomfort and increased gas. If a biopsy is performed, some bleeding might occur. If bleeding persists for over a day, or if you develop fever or chills, it's essential to contact your doctor.