About the procedure sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but shouldn't be painful. If you agree to it, you may be given a sedative before the procedure. This relieves anxiety and helps you to relax. It is given as an injection into a vein in your hand or arm. However, usually you won't need a sedative for this procedure.

You may be asked to put on a gown that opens at the back. While you're resting on your side, your doctor will gently examine your back passage with a gloved finger and then carefully insert the sigmoidoscope into your rectum. Lubricating jelly will be used to make this as easy as possible.


Air is then usually pumped through the sigmoidoscope into your lower bowel to make it expand and to make the bowel wall easier to see. This can cause stomach cramps. It is normal if you get an urge to go to the toilet or pass wind.

A camera lens at the end of the sigmoidoscope sends pictures from the inside of your bowel to a monitor. Your doctor will look at these images. If necessary, your doctor will take a biopsy and/or remove any polyps you have. This is done using special instruments passed inside the sigmoidoscope and shouldn't cause you any pain.