Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A Flexible Sigmoidoscopy finds the cause of GI symptoms

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your North Shore Gastroenterology physician to examine the lining of your rectum and bottom part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending colon.

Our doctor may perform this procedure to find the cause of GI symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, bleeding, inflammation, ulcers, and changes in bowel habits. It is also used to look for early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum, such as polyps.

During the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the exam table while the doctor inserts a short, flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope into your rectum, slowly guiding it into your colon. The scope blows air into the colon to inflate it for better viewing and transmits images of the inside of the rectum and colon to a monitor, enabling the physician to carefully examine the lining of these organs.

If the doctor finds anything abnormal in your rectum or colon, such as a polyp or inflamed tissue, he can remove a sample of tissue using instruments inserted into the scope and send it to the lab for testing.

The flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes and does not require any kind of sedation. You might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower abdomen but you should feel better once the air leaves your colon.

To learn more about the flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure or schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call North Shore Gastroenterology in Westlake and Brooklyn, Ohio at (440) 808-1212 or you can request an appointment online.