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What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a shorter version of a colonoscopy.  We use the same instrument, a colonoscope, to look in the lower bowel.  Instead of going all the way around from the anus to the appendix when a flexible sigmoidoscopy is performed we will only go into the sigmoid colon.  This distance is approximately one quarter of the way around. 

In general the main reason to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy is when the entire large intestine does not need to be examined for the problem at hand.  If the patient has had a recent colonoscopy, for example perhaps 6 months prior, and has a problem that is very likely to be in the rectal area, then a flexible sigmoidoscopy will suffice.  Often a flexible sigmoidoscopy will be done in conjunction with treating haemorrhoids by banding or other means.

Biopsies can be obtained and polyps can be removed during a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Drinking a bowel prep is generally not necessary in order to get prepared for a flexible sigmoidoscopy.  

For most people the preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy will consist only of a Fleet enema done on the evening prior as well as the morning of the procedure.