Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables us to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large bowel) with a short, thin, flexible lighted tube (sigmoidoscope).

By easing the sigmoidoscope into your rectum and slowly guiding it into your colon, we can monitor and treat lesions of the distal colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy takes just 10 to 20 minutes.

If the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows anything unusual such as a polyp or inflamed tissue, we can remove or biopsy it using instruments inserted into the scope. Samples are then sent to the lab for evaluation. If required, we will order a colonoscopy for further evaluation. This procedure can be done with or without sedation.

Flexibile sigmoidoscopy is not a substitute for colonoscopy for colon cancer screenings, as it is only able to evaluate the last portion of the colon.  It will not detect cancers or polyps occuring deeper in the colon.