A flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy but focuses only on the sigmoid colon and rectum, the last 2 feet of the large intestine. A flex sig can examine symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding. While a flex sig an option to screen for colon cancer, a colonoscopy is the best option as it allows the physician to view the entire colon for polyps, lesions and other abnormalities. This procedure can also be completed with or without IV sedation. Before the procedure, you will follow prep instructions given to your physician which you need to follow carefully. Your doctor will guide a thin, flexible, lighted tube through your rectum and lower colon. Images are viewed on a screen and polyps are removed then sent to the lab for further testing. Your physician will discuss the findings with you after the procedure. Like a colonoscopy, there is little risk involved but there is a possibility of excess bleeding from polyp or tissue removal or perforation of the colon. After your procedure, you generally can resume a normal diet but you are not allowed to drive after the procedure if you have had anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you to and from the center. If any polyps are found, they will be sent to the lab for testing. Most polyps are not cancerous but some can be precancerous. You will be notified of your biopsy results in 1-2 weeks.
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Reference: Mayo Clinic. 2024. Colonoscopy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-20393569
