Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible endoscope is used to examine about the last two (2) feet of the colon (large bowel or large intestine). The most common reason a sigmoidoscopy may be recommended include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea, or other intestinal problems. A flexible sigmoidoscopy is not indicated for colon cancer screening because it does allow the gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon. A colonoscopy is the best examination for colon cancer screening.

How to Prepare for Your Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

You will receive instructions from your physician’s office that clearly explain how to prepare for your colonoscopy. You may or may not be on a clear liquid diet 12 to 24 hours before your sigmoidoscopy, and will have to give yourself and enema the day of the procedure, which is a liquid solution that washes out the lower intestine. You will also be required to fast for a number of hours on the day of your procedure. You may need to stop certain medications a few days prior to your procedure, such as aspirin, prescribed blood thinners, and/or GLP-1 agonists (weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, etc.).

What Does a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Involve?

Upon arrival to your appointment, a nurse and anesthesia provider will review your medical history and medications, and then place an I.V. prior to your procedure. You will then be taken to a private procedure room for the procedure. When it is time to begin the examination, you will be asked to lay on your left side. The anesthesia provider will then begin intravenous (IV) sedation. Once the sedation takes effect, the endoscope will be carefully inserted through the rectum and moved gently about 2 feet up your colon. The gastroenterologist will view the interior lining on a video monitor and may take pictures, remove colon polyps (polypectomy) and/or take tissue samples (biopsy). On average the procedure takes 10 minutes. You will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. Any tissue samples or polyps will be sent to a laboratory to be analyzed.

What Happens After?

You will be taken to our recovery area for about 30 minutes.  You will be monitored closely until you are fully awake.  You may feel bloated and feel the need to pass gas. You will be given water to drink and your I.V. will be removed.   You will be provided with instructions explaining the procedure results, dietary instructions and any follow-up needed. You must have someone available to drive you home. You should rest and not drive or go to work for the remainder of the day. Our nursing staff will call you the following business day to see how you are feeling and answer any questions you may have. Your physician will notify of any laboratory results once he/she receives them.