A procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the lining of the rectum and lower colon (bowel).
In this article. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure in which the inner lining of the lower large intestine is examined. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the rectum and the lower (sigmoid) colon. The flexible sigmoidoscope is a flexible tube 60 cm long and about the thickness of your little finger. It is inserted gently into the anus and advanced slowly into the rectum and the lower colon. Preparing for a Sigmoidoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy preparation is similar to what you would do to prepare for a colonoscopy. One or more enemas may be used approximately two hours prior to the procedure. If your doctor wants the entire colon empty, the preparation will be even more like colonoscopy preparation. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the lining of the rectum and lower colon (bowel). It is usually done in the surgeon’s office or a procedure room, but occasionally may be done in the hospital. Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables the physician to look at the inside of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid. Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. Before a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, you'll need to clean out (empty) your colon. Any residue in your colon may obscure the view of your colon and rectum during the exam. To empty your colon, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may be asked to:
http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/flexible-sigmoidoscopy http://www.medicinenet.com/flexible_sigmoidoscopy/article.htm http://www.healthline.com/health/sigmoidoscopy http://www.sages.org/publications/patient-information/patient-information-for-flexible-sigmoidoscopy-from-sages/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmoidoscopy http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/flexible-sigmoidoscopy/basics/how-you-prepare/PRC-20014697
sigmoidoscopy preparation