Sigmoidoscopy
Your doctor may want to perform a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.
What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
The Flexible Sigmoidoscope is a long flexible tube, which can be inserted through the rectum and allows examination of the lower third of the large bowel. Through the Flexible Sigmoidoscope small tissue samples (biopsies) and polyps can be removed for pathological diagnosis.
Diagnostic indications include:
- Screening or surveillance for colon cancer
- Evaluating signs and symptoms suggestive of possible colonic or lower small bowel disease
- Assessing a response to treatment in patients with known colonic disease (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease)
- Evaluating abnormalities found on imaging studies
Therapeutic indications include:
- Stricture dilation
- Stent placement
- Colonic decompression
- Foreign body removal
In addition, abnormalities found during diagnostic procedures may require therapeutic intervention.
Preparation
For more information about preparing for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, see our Admissions page.