What it’s Like?
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy checks for polyps in the lower bowel, including your rectum, sigmoid colon, and your descending colon. This test must be performed every 10 years. A thin, flexible, lighted tube (sigmoidoscope) with a tiny camera at its tip is inserted into your rectum and then travels about 2 feet through your colon. If polyps are found, a colonoscopy is required.
Pros
- Screens lower colon
- Suspicious polyps are immediately removed
- Rarely requires sedation
- In some areas, medical professionals besides doctors (such as Registered Nurses) can administer the test
Cons
- Test preparation requires enema
- Misses polyps in higher colon
