Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a microscopic camera at the tip of a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to safely examine the lower “sigmoid” half of the colon (large bowel) and rectum. It is like a colonoscopy but more limited, including only the rectum and the lower 50 centimetres of colon (almost 2 feet). It allows for a quicker procedure focused on a particular area of the colon, and can be used to investigate rectal bleeding, abnormalities found in imaging, changes in bowel habits and chronic anemia due to blood loss.

Description

Before the sigmoidoscopy begins, you will receive an intravenous sedative to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. While you are lying in a relaxed position, the colonoscope will be inserted into your rectum and gently guided through your colon. Once it is fully inserted, the instrument will be slowly withdrawn. If any polyps are detected, the physician may opt to remove them or take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from the colon lining for further examination under a microscope.

Following your procedure, we will keep you under observation until the effects of the sedative have worn off.

Sigmoidoscopy Instructions

Please follow these instructions to clean out your bowel.