Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeRisksBefore the TestDuring the TestAfter the TestInterpreting Results
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose
Risks
Before the Test
During the Test
After the Test
Interpreting Results
A sigmoidoscopy is a way for a healthcare provider to examine the last one-third of the large intestine. This includes the rectum andsigmoid colon.
During the test, a flexible viewing tube with a lens and light source on the end, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted through the anus and into the rectum. This allows the practitioner to examine the inside of thecolon.
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The test can be uncomfortable because there is no sedation, but most practitioners keep the test very quick to cut down on patient discomfort. If there is prep and sedation, the test might take longer.
This article explains when the procedure is used, how it’s done, the risks, and what to know about test results.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a screening test. It is used to identify abnormalities in the lower colon and rectum. However, in the U.S., it is not widely used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.
Your healthcare provider may recommend the procedure if you are experiencing:
Most healthcare providers recommendcolonoscopyforcolorectal cancerscreening. That’s because, unlike sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy can view the entire colon.
Even so, sigmoidoscopy has some advantages, including:
A sigmoidoscopy may also be used as a follow-up procedure if adigital rectal examis abnormal or after a positivefecal occult blood test. It can also help identify the source of rectal bleeding or other problems in the lower digestive tract.
If your healthcare provider finds something unusual, they may be able to do a biopsy during the procedure. If an abnormality is found in a sigmoidoscopy, your healthcare provider will probably want to follow up with a colonoscopy to examine the rest of the colon.
Screening RecommendationsThe U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults between the ages of 45 and 75. Adults over 75 may be selectively screened.Flexible sigmoidoscopy is one of the recommended screening options. If this option is chosen, it should be repeated every five years as long as results are normal. Colonoscopy is another recommended screening option and only needs to be repeated every 10 years.
Screening Recommendations
The U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults between the ages of 45 and 75. Adults over 75 may be selectively screened.Flexible sigmoidoscopy is one of the recommended screening options. If this option is chosen, it should be repeated every five years as long as results are normal. Colonoscopy is another recommended screening option and only needs to be repeated every 10 years.
The U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults between the ages of 45 and 75. Adults over 75 may be selectively screened.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is one of the recommended screening options. If this option is chosen, it should be repeated every five years as long as results are normal. Colonoscopy is another recommended screening option and only needs to be repeated every 10 years.
Some people at a higher risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin screening earlier. High-risk groups include those with:
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Like all medical procedures, sigmoidoscopy comes with certain risks. These include:
Bleeding and damage to the colon are the most common complications of sigmoidoscopy. Bleeding may occur up to two weeks following the procedure.
Symptoms of an EmergencySeek medical care right away if you notice any of the following after your procedure:Severe abdominal painFeverBloody bowel movementsBleeding from anusWeakness or dizziness
Symptoms of an Emergency
Seek medical care right away if you notice any of the following after your procedure:Severe abdominal painFeverBloody bowel movementsBleeding from anusWeakness or dizziness
Seek medical care right away if you notice any of the following after your procedure:
For the healthcare provider to get a clear view of the intestinal wall, the colon must be empty. The practitioner will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the test. Preparation usually includes:
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking so that they can advise you on whether to continue taking your medications or if you need to abstain from taking any of them before the procedure.
A sigmoidoscopy is usually performed at a hospital or outpatient surgical center. The procedure typically takes about 20 minutes.
Here’s what to expect on the day of the test:
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After the procedure, you may resume normal activities, including eating and drinking. If you did not receiveanesthesia, you could even drive yourself home.
Some people experience some discomfort after a sigmoidoscopy, including abdominal cramping orbloating. Also, if you had a biopsy or polyp removal, you might experience some bleeding from the anus.
If a biopsy is taken, your healthcare provider should have the results within two weeks.
Some results are available immediately after the procedure, for instance the practitioner’s impression of the health of your colon tissue and whether any polyps or suspicious tissues were found.Your healthcare provider may share this information with you before you leave.
If your practitioner also performed a biopsy as part of the test, those results may take a week or two to come back.
If the test or biopsy results are positive (pre-cancerous polyp or colorectal cancer), you’ll need to have a colonoscopy later to look for polyps or cancer in the rest of the colon.
Summary
Sigmoidoscopy is one of several screening options for colorectal cancer. Screening for this type of cancer is recommended for adults ages 45-75. If you choose sigmoidoscopy for cancer screening, it should be repeated every five years.
A sigmoidoscopy is limited to screening only the lower one-third of the bowel. This test is usually done without anesthesia in an outpatient surgical center or at a hospital. A colonoscopy is necessary to screen for cancer or polyps higher in the bowel.
A Word From Verywell
If you consider sigmoidoscopy forcolorectal cancer screening, you should know that it is a little easier than a colonoscopy, but it is not as thorough. That’s because it can only see part of the colon. Therefore, your healthcare provider may determine that you need a colonoscopy after this test if they cannot see enough or find something concerning.
Discuss the different colorectal cancer screening tools with your healthcare provider. Together, you can determine which timing and tools are best for you.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sigmoidoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Flexible sigmoidoscopy.U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.Colorectal cancer: Screening.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal (colon) cancer: What should I know about screening?Cancer.Net.Sigmoidoscopy.Cancer.Net.Biopsy.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sigmoidoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Flexible sigmoidoscopy.U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.Colorectal cancer: Screening.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal (colon) cancer: What should I know about screening?Cancer.Net.Sigmoidoscopy.Cancer.Net.Biopsy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sigmoidoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Flexible sigmoidoscopy.U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.Colorectal cancer: Screening.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal (colon) cancer: What should I know about screening?Cancer.Net.Sigmoidoscopy.Cancer.Net.Biopsy.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sigmoidoscopy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Flexible sigmoidoscopy.
U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.Colorectal cancer: Screening.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal (colon) cancer: What should I know about screening?
Cancer.Net.Sigmoidoscopy.
Cancer.Net.Biopsy.
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