Sigmoidoscopy

What is a sigmoidoscopy?

Sigmoidoscopy investigation

Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure where a doctor or nurse looks into the rectum and sigmoid colon, using an instrument called a sigmoidoscope.

The sigmoid colon is the final portion of the bowel that is joined to the rectum. A sigmoidoscope is a small tube with an attached light source about the thickness of your finger. An operator - a doctor or nurse - inserts the sigmoidoscope into the back passage (anus) and pushes it slowly into the rectum and sigmoid colon. This allows the doctor or nurse to see the lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure is not usually painful but it may be a little uncomfortable.

There are two types of sigmoidoscope that can be used.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

The most commonly used is the flexible sigmoidoscope. This thin, flexible tube allows your doctor to see around bends in the colon (large intestine). A flexible sigmoidoscope gives doctors a better view of the lower colon and usually makes the examination more comfortable.

Rigid sigmoidoscopy

The rigid sigmoidoscope has generally been replaced by the flexible version and is now used less often. It allows your doctor to look into the rectum and the bottom part of the colon but it does not reach as far into the colon as the flexible sigmoidoscope.

Patient picks for Endoscopy

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure which uses a thin tube-like telescope to see inside the womb (uterus). It can also allow doctors to do some minor operations to the uterus.

by Dr Pippa Vincent, MRCGP

What is a sigmoidoscopy used for?

Sigmoidoscopy can be used to investigate the cause of bleeding or pain from the back passage (rectum). Your doctor may also suggest this test if you have various other bowel-related symptoms. The test can also look for evidence of inflammation or cancer of the rectum and lower colon. Sigmoidoscopy can also be used to remove small fleshy lumps (polyps) that can be found in the colon and take samples of tissue (biopsy) for analysis. This is done by passing a thin 'grabbing' instrument down a side channel of the sigmoidoscope.

Preparing for a sigmoidoscopy

For a doctor or nurse to obtain a clear view, your rectum and lower colon need to be empty of stools (faeces). You should be given detailed instructions on how to clear your bowel before you have a sigmoidoscopy. This is usually by taking powerful laxatives for a day or two, or by using one or two enemas prior to the procedure. A commonly used laxative to clear the bowel is called Picolax®.

A common plan is:

• On the day before the procedure - take one Picolax® sachet (by mouth) at 8 am and one at 6 pm. Read the instructions carefully on the Picolax® sachet on how much water to add.

• For 12 hours before the procedure - have fluids only (liquiddiet) but you can eat a normal light breakfast on the morning just before the procedure.

• Sometimes you will be given an enema on arrival in the hospital to clear the very bottom of the colon of faeces.

You should also let a doctor or nurse know if you have any other medical conditions.

The sigmoidoscopy test

This test usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Usually you do not need an anaesthetic or sedation. You wear a hospital gown so that the lower half of your body is exposed. You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees drawn up towards your chest.

First the doctor or nurse will gently insert a gloved and lubricated finger (or fingers) into the rectum to check for blockage and to widen the back passage (anus). Then the sigmoidoscope will be inserted and gently pushed further into the rectum and colon.

Air is gently pumped through the sigmoidoscope to help viewing. This can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable and give you an urge to move your bowels (defecate). As the sigmoidoscope is slowly removed, the lining of the bowel is carefully examined.

A small sample (biopsy) of bowel lining may be taken during the procedure if the doctor finds a polyp in your colon. The sample is sent to the laboratory to be looked at under the microscope. It may also be tested for various conditions that can affect the bowel.

Sigmoidoscopy after-effects

Most sigmoidoscopies are done without any problem. Some people do experience side-effects including:

• Crampy pains.

• Bloating.

• Excess wind.

You can eat and drink as normal straight after the procedure.

You may also have leakage of liquid accompanied by gas for up to 24 hours after taking the last dose of laxatives. You should arrange your work/social activities following a sigmoidoscopy with this in mind.

Occasionally, the sigmoidoscope causes some damage to the rectum or colon. This may cause a small amount of bleeding, infection and (rarely) a hole (perforation) in the colon. If any of the following occur within 48 hours after a sigmoidoscopy, consult a doctor immediately:

• Severe tummy (abdominal) pain.

• Bloody bowel movements, rectal bleeding or blood clots.

• Raised temperature (fever).

Screening for bowel (colorectal) cancer with flexible sigmoidoscopy

It has been proposed that a routine flexible sigmoidoscopy test should be offered to all older adults to screen for bowel cancer. This is because most bowel small fleshy lumps (polyps) and colorectal cancers develop in the rectum, sigmoid colon or lower descending colon.

Bowel (colonic) polyps are small non-cancerous (benign) growths on the inside lining of the colon or rectum. They are common in older people. They usually cause no symptoms or problems. However, if a polyp is found, it is usually removed. This is because there is a small risk of a colonic polyp developing into a bowel cancer after several years.

See the separate leaflet called Faecal Immunochemical Test (Faecal Occult Blood Test) for further information on screening for bowel cancer.