Patient Information
Tests and Treatments: Interventional Tests: Endoscopies: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Above illustration shows a sigmoidoscope inserted through the anus and rectum and into the sigmoid colon. Inset image shows a patient on a table having a sigmoidoscopy.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure using a small, flexible tube with a fiberoptic camera and light attached to its tip to look into the rectum and the colon. The end of the scope can be bent to pass around corners. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is nearly painless, and can be done in the doctor's office.
Using a sigmoidoscope, a doctor can look into the last two feet of the colon for signs of cancer, polyps, diverticulosis or colitis.
The American Cancer Society recommends that from age 40 on, individuals should receive an annual rectal exam. From age 50 on, individuals should have their stool tested for blood annually and should have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every three to five years.
Page last updated
12/04/2007
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