What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

The flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure often used to find the cause of:

The flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure often used to find the cause of:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Or constipation
• It is also used to look for early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum.

The use of flexible sigmoidoscopy allows the physician to see abnormalities in the descending colon and rectum that include:

• Bleeding
• Inflammation
• Abnormal growths
• And ulcers

The procedure does not detect polyps or cancer in the ascending or transverse colon.

What can a patient expect during a flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure?

• Patient will lie on left side on the examining table
• Physician inserts a short, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum and slowly guides it into the colon.  This tube is called a sigmoidoscope.
• You might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower abdomen
• You will feel better afterward when the air leaves the colon

This procedure allows the physician to:

• Carefully examine the lining of rectum and colon
• As the scope blows air into these organs and inflates them, the physician is able to see the lining of rectum and colon much better
• If there is anything unusual in the rectum or colon such as a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove a piece and send that piece of tissue (biopsy) to the lab for testing

Are there possible complications of the flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure?

• Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible, but uncommon

How long does the procedure take?

• 10 to 20 minutes

How does a patient prepare for a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

• Patient must drink only clear liquids for 12 to 24 hours beforehand to completely empty the colon and rectum
• Night before or right before the procedure, you may be given an enema
• You may receive other special instructions from your physician

What is allowed on the liquid diet?

• Fat-free bouillon or broth
• Gelatin
• Strained fruit juice
• Water
• Plain coffee
• Plain tea
• Diet soda

For more information about the flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure visit the web site of International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders or write to them at:

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), P.O. Box 170864, Milwaukee, WI  53217-8076, phone of 1-888-964-2001

Source:  National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.

Author:  Connie Limon.  Visit http://smalldogs2.com/NutritionHealthHub  and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip.  The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog.  For a variety of FREE reprint articles on various topics rarely seen elsewhere visit http://www.camelotarticles.com

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