Note: the information below is a general guide only. The arrangements, and the way tests are performed, may vary between different hospitals. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or local hospital.

What is a sigmoidoscopy?

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. A doctor or nurse inserts the sigmoidoscope into the 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 sigmoidoscopes that can be used. The most commonly used is the flexible sigmoidoscope. This instrument allows your doctor to see around bends in the colon. A flexible sigmoidoscope gives doctors a better view of the lower colon and usually makes the examination more comfortable.

The rigid sigmoidoscope has generally been replaced by the flexible version and is now used less often.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.

What is a sigmoidoscopy used for?

Sigmoidoscopy can be used to investigate the cause of bleeding or pain from the back passage. Your doctor may also suggest this test if you have various other bowel-related symptoms. The test can also look for evidence of cancer or inflammation of the rectum and lower colon. Sigmoidoscopy can also be used to remove polyps (small fleshy growths 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.

What should I do to prepare for sigmoidoscopy?

For a doctor or nurse to get a clear view, your rectum and lower colon need to be empty of faeces (stools or motions). 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 (no solids in your diet), 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.

The test itself

This test takes just a few 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 toward 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 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 defecate ('move your bowels'). 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. 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.

Are there any side-effects or complications from a sigmoidoscopy?

Most sigmoidoscopies are done without any problem. Some people have some crampy pains and excess wind after the procedure.

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

• Severe abdominal pain.
• Bloody bowel movements or rectal bleeding.
• Fever.

Screening for colorectal (bowel) cancer with flexible sigmoidoscopy

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

The results of a large UK research study were published in 2010. The study found that people who had one routine flexible sigmoidoscopy between the ages of 55 and 64 had a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer by about a third. This was because any polyps that were found during the test were removed. Also, the test can detect early colorectal cancers that have not yet caused symptoms.

In October 2010 the Government announced that £60 million would be spent to fund a new flexible sigmoidoscopy screening programme for people in England aged over 55 years. So, it is likely that this screening test will become available soon. It is thought that, combined with the existing faecal occult blood screening test, a one-off flexible sigmoidoscopy at around the age of 55-60 could dramatically increase the number of lives saved from colorectal cancer. See separate leaflet called 'Screening for Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer' for details.

References

• Atkin WS, Edwards R, Kralj-Hans I, et al; Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in prevention of colorectal cancer: a Lancet. 2010 May 8;375(9726):1624-33. Epub 2010 Apr 27. [abstract]