Patient Education

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large intestine) by inserting a flexible tube about the thickness of your finger into the anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and lower part of the colon.

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What preparation is required?

Your doctor will tell you what cleansing routine to use. In general, preparation consists of one or two enemas prior to the procedure but could include laxatives or dietary modifications as well. However, in some circumstances your doctor might advise you to forgo any special preparation. Because the rectum and lower colon must be completely empty for the procedure to be accurate, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Your doctor will explain the results to you when the procedure is done. You might feel bloating or some mild cramping because of the air that was passed into the colon during the examination. This will disappear quickly when you pass gas. You should be able to eat and resume your normal activities after leaving your doctor’s office or the hospital, assuming you did not receive any sedative medication.

For Your Information:

 IMPROVING DIGESTIVE HEALTH THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN ENDOSCOPY Since its founding in 1941, ASGE has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Gastrointestinal endoscopy helps patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. Visit www.asge.org to learn how you can support GI endoscopic research, education and public outreach through a donation to the ASGE Foundation.

Since its founding in 1941, ASGE has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy helps patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. Learn how you can support GI endoscopic research, education and public outreach through a donation to the ASGE Foundation.

For more information visit, www.asge.org or www.screen4coloncancer.org

Copyright © 2018 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

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