Sigmoidoscopy
What Is a Sigmoidoscopy Procedure?
A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the rectum and lower part of the colon. It may help find the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss. It may also help detect polyps, inflammation and signs of cancer.
Advanced, Patient-Focused Digestive Care
Digestive symptoms can be uncomfortable, disruptive and sometimes difficult to talk about. If you are experiencing changes in your bowel habits, bleeding, abdominal discomfort or other ongoing concerns, a sigmoidoscopy may help your doctor better understand what is happening in the lower part of your digestive tract.
At Gastroenterology Associates, our team provides clear guidance before, during and after your procedure. We help you understand what to expect, how to prepare and what your results may mean for your care.
A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera and light to look inside the rectum and lower part of the colon. This lower section includes the sigmoid colon and part of the descending colon. A sigmoidoscopy does not examine the entire colon. If your doctor needs to view the full colon, they may recommend a colonoscopy instead.
The procedure can help your doctor check for:
- Irritated or swollen tissue
- Ulcers
- Polyps
- Abnormal tissue
- Signs of colorectal cancer
- Possible causes of bleeding or bowel changes
Your doctor may recommend a sigmoidoscopy to help evaluate symptoms such as:
- Bleeding from the anus or rectum
- Ongoing diarrhea or changes in bowel movements
- Abdominal or belly pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Other lower digestive symptoms
In some cases, sigmoidoscopy may also be used as a screening test for colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer. If abnormal tissue or polyps are found, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to check the rest of the colon.
Preparation may include:
- Talking with your doctor about your health history
- Reviewing the medicines, vitamins and supplements you take
- Following a special diet for a few days
- Avoiding certain high-fiber foods before the procedure
- Following a clear-liquid diet if instructed
- Using an enema or laxative to clean out the lower bowel
Bowel preparation may cause diarrhea, so it is best to stay close to a bathroom during this part of the process. If you have trouble completing the prep or experience side effects, contact your care team.
During the procedure:
- You will lie on your left side
- The doctor gently inserts the scope through the anus into the rectum and lower colon
- Air may be used to expand the colon so the doctor can see more clearly
- You may feel pressure, cramping or bloating
- The camera sends images to a monitor so the doctor can examine the lining of the lower colon
If needed, your doctor may remove polyps or take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy. You should not feel pain when a polyp or biopsy sample is taken.
Many sigmoidoscopy procedures do not require sedation or anesthesia. Because the exam is usually shorter than a colonoscopy, some patients remain awake during the procedure.
You may feel pressure, cramping or the urge to pass gas, but these feelings are usually temporary. If sedation is recommended for your situation, your care team will explain what to expect and whether you need someone to drive you home.
After a sigmoidoscopy, you may feel mild cramping, gas or bloating. If you did not receive sedation, you may be able to return to your normal diet and activities right away. If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, you may notice a small amount of bleeding from the anus. Your doctor may discuss early findings with you after the procedure. If tissue samples were taken, results may take a few days or longer.
Recommendations
If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, a sigmoidoscopy may help your doctor find the cause. Gastroenterology Associates can guide you through the process, from preparation to results, so you can feel more informed about your digestive health.