Understand Sigmoidoscopy

What is sigmoidoscopy?

Sigmoidoscopy is the minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon. There are two types of sigmoidoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, which uses a flexible endoscope, and rigid sigmoidoscopy, which uses a rigid device. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally the preferred procedure. A sigmoidoscopy is similar but not the same as a colonoscopy. A Sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid, the most distal part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.

Sigmoidoscopy is an examination used to look inside the lower part of the bowel.



The examination itself doesn't hurt, but it can be followed by discomfort similar to that which follows intestinal colic. This is because it's necessary for the doctor to blow a small amount of air into the intestine in order to see inside it clearly.