Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy entails the observation and examination of the lower part of the large intestine. A ‘sigmoidoscope’ is inserted through the rectum in this procedure, which is minimally invasive. Flexible sigmoidoscopic procedures are performed by doctors when they suspect the presence of diseases like colon polyps, rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and abdominal pains accompanied by sudden weight loss.

A sigmoidoscope is a special kind of endoscope which is a long tube of around 60 cm. A flexible sigmoidoscope is one with whose attached endoscope is flexible and not rigid. It is inserted through the anus and into the rectal region to assess causes of severe stomach pains, or rectal bleeding. As it is a specialized endoscopic procedure, sigmoidoscopies are generally recommended by doctors for more severe cases of stomach disorders.

With the aid of a flexible sigmoidoscopy, doctors can view internal tissues to assess damage to the system. Severe ailments like polyps, cancer, ulcers and swollen tissue can be assessed and accordingly treated. These ailments affect different patients differently, and thus there is a need for more individualized treatment plans. It is widely used to detect early stages of colon polyps and rectal cancer

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is mainly used by doctors to explain unusual symptoms like abdominal aches, rectal bleeding, unexplained chronic diarrhea, sudden weight loss and/ or change in bowel movement and frequency.

A normal diet can be consumed till a day before the examination. Patients are advised to avoid eating anything after midnight one night before the exam. On the day of the sigmoidoscopy, patients can consume water, tea and black coffee. The doctor must be informed if the patient uses any kind of blood thinning medication. Heart, blood pressure and respiratory ailments of any kind must also be informed to the doctor prior to the procedure.