Sigmoidoscopy

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Slideshow

• Sigmoidoscopy Introduction
• Risks
• Sigmoidoscopy Preparation
• During the Procedure
• After the Procedure
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors

Sigmoidoscopy Introduction

Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor looks in your large intestine. A length of flexible tube connected to a fiberoptic camera is used. A light is transmitted through the scope to the tip by a bundle of light fibers. The doctor uses this light to look at your intestine through an eyepiece or video screen.

• Your doctor may do this very safe procedure for several reasons.
  
  
  • Sigmoidoscopy is the best way to diagnose colon cancer—the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States.
    
    
  • This procedure may also be used to help investigate problems such as bleeding, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
  
  
• Three findings are possible from this procedure.
  
  
  • You are healthy, and no other studies are needed. (Even though the sigmoidoscopy is the most important technique in the evaluation of colon cancer, a very small percentage of people with normal sigmoidoscopy findings may later be found to have colon cancer.)
    
    
  • A diagnosis of your particular disease is made.
    
    
  • You may need additional testing, consultation, therapy, or follow-up.
  
  
• Several leading medical groups recommend routine screening of men and women aged 50 years and older for colon cancer and benign (harmless) polyps every 3-5 years. Younger people may require this procedure if they have close relatives with colon cancer.
  
  
• A similar screening procedure is known as a colonoscopy. The basic difference is that the tube goes farther up the colon with a colonoscopy.