Sigmoidoscopy Exam
During this test, the doctor looks at part of the colon and rectum with a sigmoidoscope – a flexible, lighted tube about the thickness of a finger with a small video camera on the end. It is inserted through the rectum and into the lower part of the colon. Using the sigmoidoscope, your doctor can view the inside of the rectum and part of the colon to detect (and possibly remove) any abnormality. Because the sigmoidoscope is only 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) long, the doctor is able to see the entire rectum but less than half of the colon with this procedure.
Sigmoidoscopy Preparation
The colon and rectum must be empty and clean so your doctor can view the lining of the sigmoid colon and rectum. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow to clean them out. You may be asked to follow a special diet (such as drinking only clear liquids) for a day before the exam. You may also be asked to use enemas or to use strong laxatives to clean out your colon before the exam. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, as you might need to change how you take them before the test.
Be prepared to have someone stay with you to drive you home after the procedure. It takes several hours for the sedative to completely wear off. The procedure may not be performed if a driver is not available.
During The Exam
GI Procedures ImageA sigmoidoscopy usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Most people do not need to be sedated for this test. You will probably be asked to lie on a table on your left side with your knees positioned near your chest. Your doctor should do a digital rectal exam, or DRE (inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum), before inserting the sigmoidoscope.
The sigmoidoscope is lubricated to make it easier to insert into the rectum. The scope may feel cold. The sigmoidoscope may stretch the wall of the colon, which may cause bowel spasms or lower abdominal pain. Air will be placed into the sigmoid colon through the sigmoidoscope so the doctor can see the walls of the colon better.
During the procedure, you might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower abdomen. To ease discomfort and the urge to have a bowel movement, it helps to breathe deeply and slowly through your mouth. You will feel better after the test once the air leaves your colon.
If a small polyp is found during the test your doctor may remove it with a small instrument passed through the scope. The polyp will be sent to a lab to be looked at by a pathologist. If a precancerous polyp (an adenoma) or colorectal cancer is found during the test, you will need to have a colonoscopy later to look for polyps or cancer in the rest of the colon.
Sigmoidoscopy Complications
This test may be uncomfortable because of the air put into the colon, but it should not be painful. Be sure to let your doctor know if you feel pain during the procedure. You might see a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement after the test. Significant bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications, but they are very uncommon.