Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to evaluate the lower 1/3 of the large intestine (colon). Compared to a colonoscopy, which evaluates the health of the entire colon, flexible sigmoidoscopy is a more limited examination, taking less time and less preparation. It is useful for evaluating minor anal and rectal symptoms, such as hemorrhoidal bleeding and limited ulcerative colitis.
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- An intravenous line will be placed in your arm, through which the anesthesiologist will administer gentle sedation, allowing you to sleep the entire time and have no discomfort.
- You will lay on your left side while the gastroenterologist inserts the colonoscope through your anus to examine the tissues lining the sigmoid colon and rectum while viewing a video monitor and capturing images.
- If polyps or abnormal tissue are found, they may be removed or biopsied during the procedure.
- Most flexible sigmoidoscopies take 5-10 minutes.
Preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy involves a gentle enema cleanse (done at home by the patient) and a period of fasting. You will be given detailed dietary instructions by your doctor.
- You’ll spend 20-30 minutes in a recovery area while the sedation wears off, and you can eat immediately.
- The gastroenterologist will speak with you before you go home.
- If any biopsies were taken, those will come back in a few days.
- Because of the anesthesia, you may need someone to escort you home. You should plan to take it easy the rest of the day, and you cannot drive a car following the procedure until the next day.
We perform flexible sigmoidoscopies in our two state-of-the-art endoscopy centers, Carnegie Hill Endoscopy and The Endoscopy Center of New York.