Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure in which the inner lining of the lower large intestine, called the sigmoid colon, is examined.
The procedure is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits. It is also performed to screen people over age 50 for colon and rectal cancer.
During the sigmoidoscopy, our doctor uses a sigmoidoscope, a long, flexible tubular instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter, to view the lining of the rectum and the lower third of the large intestine. The device is inserted through the rectum and passed through the large intestine.
The procedure is performed by a experienced doctor and lasts from 3 to 10 minutes. No sedation is required during the procedure.