What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

It is used to examine and diagnose problems inside your rectum and lower colon. The procedure is most often done to:

• Obtain tissue samples for testing
• Identify the cause of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, lower abdominal pain, or inflammation
• Detect the presence of or remove polyps (small growths than can turn cancerous)
• Monitor response to treatment if you have inflammatory bowel disease
• Screen for colorectal cancer

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a sigmoidoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Perforation or puncture of the bowel wall

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Pre-existing heart or kidney condition
• Treatment with certain medicines, including aspirin and other drugs with anticoagulant or blood-thinning properties
• Prior abdominal surgery or radiation treatments

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Bleeding from your rectum—Notify your doctor if you pass a teaspoonful of blood or more.
• Black, tarry stools
• Severe abdominal...