BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSigmoidoscopyFlexible sigmoidoscopy; Sigmoidoscopy - flexible; Proctoscopy; Proctosigmoidoscopy; Rigid sigmoidoscopy; Colon cancer sigmoidoscopy; Colorectal sigmoidoscopy; Rectal sigmoidoscopy; Gastrointestinal bleeding - sigmoidoscopy; Rectal bleeding - sigmoidoscopy; Melena - sigmoidoscopy; Blood in stool - sigmoidoscopy; Polyps - sigmoidoscopySigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the rectum. How the Test is Performed During the test:You lie on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Your health care provider gently places a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to check for blockage and gently enlarge (dilate) the anus. This is called a digital rectal exam. Digital rectal examA digital rectal exam is an exam of the lower rectum. Your health care provider uses a gloved, lubricated finger to check for any abnormal findings....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Next, the sigmoidoscope is placed through the anus. The scope is a flexible tube with a camera at its end. The scope is gently moved into your colon. Air is inserted into the colon to enlarge the area and help the provider view the area better. The air may cause the urge to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Suction may be used to remove fluid or stool. Often, the images are seen in high definition on a video monitor. The provider may take tissue samples with a tiny biopsy tool or a thin metal snare inserted through the scope. Heat (electrocautery) may be used to remove polyps if your colon has been properly prepared for this. Photos of the inside of your colon may be taken. BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article PolypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sigmoidoscopy using a rigid scope may be done to treat problems of the anus or rectum. How to Prepare for the Test Your provider will tell you how to prepare for the exam. You will use an enema to empty your bowels. This is usually done 1 hour before the sigmoidoscopy. Often, a second enema may be recommended or your provider may recommend a liquid laxative the night before.On the morning of the procedure, you may be asked to fast with the exception of certain medicines. Be sure to discuss this with your provider well in advance. Sometimes, you are asked to follow a clear liquid diet the day before, and sometimes a regular diet is allowed. Again, discuss this with your provider well in advance of your test date. How the Test will Feel During the exam you may feel:Pressure during the digital rectal exam or when the scope is placed in your rectum. The need to have a bowel movement. Some bloating or cramping caused by the air or by stretching of the bowel by the sigmoidoscope. After the test, your body will pass the air that was put into your colon. Children may be given medicine to make them sleep lightly (sedated) for this procedure. Why the Test is Performed Your provider may recommend this test to look for the cause of:Abdominal pain Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood, mucus, or pus in the stool Weight loss that can't be explainedThis test can also be used to:Confirm findings of another test or x-rays Screen for colorectal cancer or polyps Colorectal cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Take a biopsy of a growthAll adults should have a colon cancer screening test starting at age 45. For people with an average risk for colon cancer, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or every 10 years plus stool testing with FIT done every year is one screening option.Screening optionColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results A normal test result will show no problems with the color, texture, and size of the lining of the sigmoid colon, rectal mucosa, rectum, and anus. What Abnormal Results Mean Abnormal results can indicate:Anal fissures (small split or tear in the thin, moist tissue lining the anus) Anal fissuresAn anal fissure is a small split or tear in the thin moist tissue (mucosa) lining the lower rectum (anus).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anorectal abscess (collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum) Anorectal abscessAn anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blockage of the large intestine, such as a mechanical blockage or Hirschsprung disease Blockage of the large intestineIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hirschsprung diseaseHirschsprung disease causes a blockage of the large intestine. It occurs due to poor muscle movement in the bowel. It is a congenital condition, wh...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer Colorectal polyps Colorectal polypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diverticulosis (abnormal pouches on the lining of the intestines) DiverticulosisDiverticulosis occurs when small, bulging sacs or pouches form on the inner wall of the intestine. These sacs are called diverticula. Most often, t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemorrhoids HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Inflammatory bowel disease Inflammation or infection (proctitis and colitis) ProctitisProctitis is an inflammation of the rectum. It can cause discomfort, bleeding, and the discharge of mucus or pus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is a slight risk of bowel perforation (tearing a hole) and bleeding at the biopsy sites. The overall risk is very small.Open ReferencesReferencesRex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. PMID: 28555630 www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28555630/.Sugumar A, Vargo JJ. Preparation for and complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 42.US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Colorectal cancer screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening. Published May 18, 2021. Accessed November 25, 2022.Wang KK. Gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 120.AllVideoImagesTogColonoscopy - illustration There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.ColonoscopyillustrationSigmoid colon cancer - X-ray - illustration A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the large bowel (sigmoid area).Sigmoid colon cancer - X-rayillustrationRectal biopsy - illustration Rectal biopsy can be used to determine the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool. Rectal biopsy can also confirm findings of another test or x-rays, or take a biopsy of a growth found in the colon.Rectal biopsyillustrationColonoscopy - illustration There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.ColonoscopyillustrationSigmoid colon cancer - X-ray - illustration A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the large bowel (sigmoid area).Sigmoid colon cancer - X-rayillustrationRectal biopsy - illustration Rectal biopsy can be used to determine the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool. Rectal biopsy can also confirm findings of another test or x-rays, or take a biopsy of a growth found in the colon.Rectal biopsyillustration Tests for Sigmoidoscopy SigmoidoscopyRelated Information Crohn disease(Condition)Intestinal obstruction and Ileus(Condition)Colorectal cancer(Condition)Diverticulitis(Condition)Hemorrhoids(Condition)Anorectal abscess(Condition)Colorectal polyps(Condition)Proctitis(Condition)Crohn disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Colon and rectal cancers - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 7/30/2022 Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Internal review and update on 07/16/2023 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
SigmoidoscopyFlexible sigmoidoscopy; Sigmoidoscopy - flexible; Proctoscopy; Proctosigmoidoscopy; Rigid sigmoidoscopy; Colon cancer sigmoidoscopy; Colorectal sigmoidoscopy; Rectal sigmoidoscopy; Gastrointestinal bleeding - sigmoidoscopy; Rectal bleeding - sigmoidoscopy; Melena - sigmoidoscopy; Blood in stool - sigmoidoscopy; Polyps - sigmoidoscopySigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the rectum. How the Test is Performed During the test:You lie on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Your health care provider gently places a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to check for blockage and gently enlarge (dilate) the anus. This is called a digital rectal exam. Digital rectal examA digital rectal exam is an exam of the lower rectum. Your health care provider uses a gloved, lubricated finger to check for any abnormal findings....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Next, the sigmoidoscope is placed through the anus. The scope is a flexible tube with a camera at its end. The scope is gently moved into your colon. Air is inserted into the colon to enlarge the area and help the provider view the area better. The air may cause the urge to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Suction may be used to remove fluid or stool. Often, the images are seen in high definition on a video monitor. The provider may take tissue samples with a tiny biopsy tool or a thin metal snare inserted through the scope. Heat (electrocautery) may be used to remove polyps if your colon has been properly prepared for this. Photos of the inside of your colon may be taken. BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article PolypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sigmoidoscopy using a rigid scope may be done to treat problems of the anus or rectum. How to Prepare for the Test Your provider will tell you how to prepare for the exam. You will use an enema to empty your bowels. This is usually done 1 hour before the sigmoidoscopy. Often, a second enema may be recommended or your provider may recommend a liquid laxative the night before.On the morning of the procedure, you may be asked to fast with the exception of certain medicines. Be sure to discuss this with your provider well in advance. Sometimes, you are asked to follow a clear liquid diet the day before, and sometimes a regular diet is allowed. Again, discuss this with your provider well in advance of your test date. How the Test will Feel During the exam you may feel:Pressure during the digital rectal exam or when the scope is placed in your rectum. The need to have a bowel movement. Some bloating or cramping caused by the air or by stretching of the bowel by the sigmoidoscope. After the test, your body will pass the air that was put into your colon. Children may be given medicine to make them sleep lightly (sedated) for this procedure. Why the Test is Performed Your provider may recommend this test to look for the cause of:Abdominal pain Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood, mucus, or pus in the stool Weight loss that can't be explainedThis test can also be used to:Confirm findings of another test or x-rays Screen for colorectal cancer or polyps Colorectal cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Take a biopsy of a growthAll adults should have a colon cancer screening test starting at age 45. For people with an average risk for colon cancer, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or every 10 years plus stool testing with FIT done every year is one screening option.Screening optionColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results A normal test result will show no problems with the color, texture, and size of the lining of the sigmoid colon, rectal mucosa, rectum, and anus. What Abnormal Results Mean Abnormal results can indicate:Anal fissures (small split or tear in the thin, moist tissue lining the anus) Anal fissuresAn anal fissure is a small split or tear in the thin moist tissue (mucosa) lining the lower rectum (anus).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anorectal abscess (collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum) Anorectal abscessAn anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blockage of the large intestine, such as a mechanical blockage or Hirschsprung disease Blockage of the large intestineIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hirschsprung diseaseHirschsprung disease causes a blockage of the large intestine. It occurs due to poor muscle movement in the bowel. It is a congenital condition, wh...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer Colorectal polyps Colorectal polypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diverticulosis (abnormal pouches on the lining of the intestines) DiverticulosisDiverticulosis occurs when small, bulging sacs or pouches form on the inner wall of the intestine. These sacs are called diverticula. Most often, t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemorrhoids HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Inflammatory bowel disease Inflammation or infection (proctitis and colitis) ProctitisProctitis is an inflammation of the rectum. It can cause discomfort, bleeding, and the discharge of mucus or pus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is a slight risk of bowel perforation (tearing a hole) and bleeding at the biopsy sites. The overall risk is very small.Open ReferencesReferencesRex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. PMID: 28555630 www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28555630/.Sugumar A, Vargo JJ. Preparation for and complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 42.US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Colorectal cancer screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening. Published May 18, 2021. Accessed November 25, 2022.Wang KK. Gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 120.