Flexible sigmoidoscopy

In this test, the doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscopeinto the rectum to look for polyps, tumors, or other abnormalities. The exam is limited to the rectum and lower colon, but this region of the colon is the site of 60 percent of all tumors. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is often used in conjunction with a fecal occult blood test.

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The exam typically takes just a few minutes. Beforehand, you will need to drink plenty of fluids and have an enema to flush stool from the bowel. Sedation is not required for this procedure, which may be performed by general internists and appropriately trained endoscopic technicians. The procedure has a low complication rate with perforation of the colon occurring in only 1 to 2 per 10,000 exams.

If a polyp is found during sigmoidoscopy, the doctor may remove all or part of it through the scope so that it can be examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. A polyp is a small abnormal growth in the lining of the colon that often turns into cancer.This procedure is called a biopsy.