What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that sees a thin, flexible tube examine the rectum and large intestine. The tube is equipped with a camera and light to help investigate the digestive symptoms, check for inflammation, and screen for colorectal cancer.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is carried out to:
- investigate symptoms and find the cause of rectal bleeding, unexplained abdominal pain, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits
- detect polyps (small growths that may become cancerous) or early signs of colorectal cancer in the lower bowel
- monitor inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
What the procedure involves
A flexible sigmoidoscopy involves passing a thin, flexible camera (called a sigmoidoscope) through the back passage to examine the lower part of your bowel. The procedure usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes and may be used to investigate symptoms, check for bowel conditions or take small tissue samples (biopsies) if needed.
You may be offered a local anaesthetic, sedation or pain relief to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Your specialist will explain what to expect before, during and after your appointment.
Why choose Practice Plus Group?
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
