Targeted Lower Bowel Examination

Sigmoidoscopy provides focused examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon—the lower portion of your large intestine. This efficient procedure offers valuable diagnostic information whilst requiring less extensive preparation than full colonoscopy.

The Procedure

A flexible sigmoidoscope, a slender tube with an integrated camera and light source, is gently inserted through the rectum to examine the lower third of your colon. The procedure can often be performed with minimal or no sedation, though sedation is available for your comfort if preferred.

Clinical Applications

Sigmoidoscopy effectively evaluates:

– Rectal bleeding and haemorrhoids

– Changes in bowel habits

– Chronic diarrhoea or abdominal pain

– Inflammatory bowel disease in the lower colon

– Surveillance of known rectal or sigmoid conditions

– Polyps in the lower bowel

Therapeutic Options

When appropriate, the procedure allows for:

– Polyp removal and biopsy collection

– Treatment of bleeding sites

– Haemorrhoid banding

– Foreign body removal

Preparation and Convenience

Sigmoidoscopy requires only limited bowel preparation—typically one or two enemas before the examination. Most patients return to normal activities immediately following the procedure. The examination usually takes 15-20 minutes and provides immediate visual assessment of the lower bowel.