What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
The simple answer is "half a colonoscopy". The most common reason for this test is to find the source of bright red rectal bleeding. This type of bleeding is almost always from hemorrhoids. Other problems, sometimes even cancer, can cause bright red rectal bleeding. It is important to have this test to check for other causes. Bright red blood is usually from the lower half of the bowel and can be evaluated by this test. Tarry black stools could indicate blood from anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract and that requires a more thorough evaluation.
Whether your physician recommends you to have a colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy depends on your risk factors for cancer, your age and your symptoms.
How is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy different from a Colonoscopy?
The flexible sigmoidoscopy views half the colon and the preparation is easier. The preparation involves two Fleet enemas (a laxative introduced into the rectum). You do not need to take a laxative by mouth. The preparation is taken two hours before the procedure instead of starting the day before.
Most people do not require sedation for the procedure, although it is available on request.
The Risks and Benefits
The risks of flexible sigmoidoscopy include:
- the bowel preparation. Rare electrolyte abnormalities are possible. If you have renal disease, be sure to tell your physician.
- cardiac and respiratory risks from the sedation (if taken).
- a small risk of bleeding and infection. The risk of bowel perforation (making a hole in the bowel with the endoscope) is less than 1 in 6,000 for a diagnostic procedure, but if polyps need to be removed, the risk increases to 1 in 1,500. If a perforation occurs, surgery is usually needed. It is almost always possible to reach the splenic flexure, the endpoint of this test.
The Procedure
Prepare your lower bowel using the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy instructions. 
When you arrive at the clinic you will enter the recovery area. A nurse may place an intravenous catheter. You will then enter the procedure room and have your flexible sigmoidoscopy. You can expect some mild cramping and bloating.
After your sigmoidoscopy you will rest in the recovery room. We will give you a written summary of the results to take home with you. A report will be sent to your referring physician.
You cannot drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours if you have sedation.
Follow-Up
If you wish to discuss the results of your procedure or any biopsies taken during your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you may book an appointment with The Reimer Clinic. You may also discuss the findings with your family physician. Biopsy results will be available about three weeks after your procedure.
