PROCEDURES - Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an office test which allows your doctor to examine the rectum and part of the colon (or large intestine). The test involves a flexible tube, also called a sigmoidoscope (or "scope" for short) which is about as thick as an index finger. This tube has a camera and a light on the end of it. The tube is gently inserted into the rectum and advanced into the sigmoid colon. The camera and light allow your doctor to see the rectum and sigmoid colon, to see if there is any evidence of polyps, or infection, or diverticulosis, or hemorrhoids, or colitis.

In the office, patients are not sedated for this procedure. Because you are not sedated, you can both drive yourself to the office and home afterwards.

Be sure to review your medications with your doctor prior to the procedure. Do not take aspirin, motrin, ibuprofen, advil, naproxen, naprasyn, aleve, plavix or Coumadin for five days prior to the procedure unless directed by your doctor.