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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: When You Need It & Why

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to look at the lower part of your colon and rectum. During the test, a thin and bendable tube with a light and camera (called a sigmoidoscope) is gently inserted into your rectum. This allows your doctor to check for problems like polyps, inflammation, or early signs of diseases. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is quick, safe, and doesn’t involve major surgery. As a result, it helps find digestive issues early when they are easier to treat. At GI Partners of Illinois, we’re here to care for your digestive health in a clear and caring way. If you’re over 45 years, this test may be a good step toward staying healthy.

What are the Benefits of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

  • Catches Problems Early: This test can find colon polyps or early signs of cancer before they cause serious issues.
  • Less Invasive: It only looks at the lower part of your colon. That’s why it is easier and more comfortable than other procedures.
  • Helps Find the Cause of Symptoms: If you have stomach pain, see blood in your stool, or changes in your bowel habits, this test can help figure out the cause.
  • Quick and Safe: This is a quick test, and results are available fast. Also, you can go home the same day.

What are the Risks of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

Like any medical test, flexible sigmoidoscopy has some risks. However, most people don’t have any problems.

  • You may feel mild cramping or bloating.
  • Rarely, there could be bleeding or a small tear in the colon lining called perforation.
  • In very rare cases, infection or a reaction to sedatives may happen.

At GI Partners of Illinois, your safety is our top concern. We take every step to make sure you’re safe and comfortable throughout the procedure.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy showing a scope inside the colon for detecting a polyp.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the lower colon and detects abnormal growths such as polyps.

What Happens During a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

  • Before the test, you’ll need to follow some instructions to clean out your colon. Typically, this includes a clear liquid diet and a special bowel prep. These steps help ensure the doctor gets a clear view during the procedure.
  • During the test, you’ll lie on your side. Next, the doctor will gently insert the sigmoidoscope. The test usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but it doesn’t last long.
  • After the test, you can go home the same day. At first, you might feel a little gassy or bloated, but this discomfort goes away quickly. In most cases, people return to their normal routine right away.

What are the Alternatives to a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

  • Colonoscopy: This is a full check of the entire colon. Because it is more detailed, it’s often used for colorectal cancer screening.
  • Stool Tests: These are less invasive options, such as fecal occult blood tests. However, they may not provide accurate results for detecting certain conditions.
  • CT Colonography(Virtual Colonoscopy): This imaging test is non-invasive and helps identify any unusual changes in the colon. Depending on your needs, your doctor will help you decide if this is the right choice for you.

FAQs

Most people don’t need sedation (medicine to make you sleepy) for this test. But if you do, your doctor will recommend it based on your health.

 

The test usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

You might feel some pressure or mild cramps. However, most people do not find it too uncomfortable.

Your doctor will let you know how often you need this test based on your symptoms and overall health.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy checks only the lower part of your colon (the rectum and sigmoid colon). A colonoscopy checks the whole colon. That means sigmoidoscopy is quicker and needs less preparation.

Yes. The day before the test, you’ll need to eat a low-fiber diet and drink only clear liquids. Your doctor will give you simple and clear steps to follow.

If you’re at average risk, you might need this test every 5 years to check for colon cancer. But it can vary, so it’s best to ask your doctor what’s right for you.

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