Our world-leading gastroenterologists and expert nursing team provide a first-class flexible sigmoidoscopy service to diagnose and monitor conditions of the large bowel.
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What is it for?
For the diagnosis of large bowel diseases
On this page
Overview
A flexible sigmoidoscopy involves a long, thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) being inserted into your anus and gently passed into the lower part of your large bowel (also called the large intestine or colon).Â
At the end of the tube are a camera and light that allow your consultant to view bowel conditions that already exist or look for anything that doesn’t look right.
For example, a flexible sigmoidoscope is often used to look around the large bowel for early signs of colorectal cancer.Â
Your consultant can also attach tiny surgical instruments to the end of the tube to take samples of body tissue (a biopsy) or remove small polyps (small clumps of cells).Â
Compared to a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy does take less time and there are fewer risks involved.Â
However, a colonoscopy allows your consultant to view your whole colon, rather than just the lower part of it. Â
FAQs
Your consultant will be able to discuss what they have seen during your flexible sigmoidoscopy as soon as you feel able to chat.Â
They may also arrange an appointment to discuss the results of tests carried out on any body tissue removed during your procedure.Â
These results are usually available in three to four working days.Â
At this appointment, your consultant will also explain your diagnosis, discuss your treatment options and chat through any worries you may have.
Before your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you’ll need to empty your large bowel. This is because any waste in it may stop your consultant from getting clear views of your colon and rectum.
To empty your bowel, you may be asked to:
- Follow a special diet the day before your procedureÂ
- Take a pill or medicine, such as a laxative, the night before your procedureÂ
- Use an enema kit, where you insert a liquid through your anus to clear out your back passageÂ
If you normally take medication or supplements, your care team will also discuss with you if you need to stop taking these and the best times to do so.
Your world-leading gastroenterologist will perform your flexible sigmoidoscopy as an outpatient procedure.Â
This usually means you won’t need any medication to make you feel calmer or reduce discomfort.Â
However, if you are worried about the procedure, we’ll offer you medication to help you feel more relaxed, such as a sedative.
During your sigmoidoscopy, you’ll lie on your side on an examination couch, with your knees drawn up towards your chest.Â
Your consultant will squeeze some liquid or gel into your back passage that allows for smooth movement. They will then insert a long, thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) into your anus and gently pass it into your colon.
They may also pass air or water into your bowel to make sure they get the clearest view possible. A camera at the end of the sigmoidoscope sends high-quality images of the gut to a computer screen.Â
Your consultant looks at the screen during the investigation to pick up on anything that may need to be looked at further.
During your sigmoidoscopy, your gastroenterologist may also use tiny surgical instruments at the end of the tube to take body tissue samples (biopsies) or remove small polyps (small clumps of cells).Â
A flexible sigmoidoscopy usually lasts less than 10 minutes, but will depend on whether they take a biopsy or need to remove a polyp.
After your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you’ll recover in our calming and comfortable Endoscopy Unit until you feel ready to go home.Â
You may feel a little bloated or experience some cramping pain after your sigmoidoscopy. This may be the result of gas passed into your bowel. It usually settles down in a few hours.Â
Your nursing team will offer you painkillers to ease any discomfort and discuss other possible side effects you may experience at home.Â
This includes a small amount of blood in your first poo after your sigmoidoscopy, which usually isn’t anything to worry about.
You should be able to return to work and normal activities the next day. And if you do have any questions or concerns, you can contact your care team at any time.
Our world-leading gastroenterologists and experienced nursing team will work closely together to reduce any risk and support your safe recovery.Â
Rarely, problems caused by a flexible sigmoidoscopy include:Â
BleedingÂ
This is more likely to happen if body tissue or a polyp is removed during the procedure. The bleeding usually stops naturally, but your consultant may also stop it by burning (cauterising) the tissue that’s bleeding.
Tear in the bowel wall
This risk is higher if a polyp is removed.
Your consultant may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy if your bowel habit has changed.Â
Investigation is important for people with symptoms that include:
- Bleeding or mucus from your back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change from your usual bowel habit, for example, your poo is looser than normal or you’ve recently become constipated
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Abdominal pain, which may get worse after you eat
- Bloating
- An abdominal lump or swelling
Our expert gastroenterologists use a flexible sigmoidoscopy to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, remove polyps and check for evidence of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer affects as many as 1 in 20 people during their lifetime.Â
Most colorectal cancers develop from small, slow-growing growths called polyps.Â
They are found in 1 in 10 people aged over 50. Most polyps are harmless, but some may contain abnormal cells or cells that may turn into cancer.Â
Regular screening for colon cancer is the best way to protect yourself from the illness.
If bowel problems and colorectal cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, your treatment will be more effective.Â
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
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