Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure which involves examination of the lower part of the lrge bowel (usually to the splenic flexure) with the same equipment as is used for colonoscopy. It has the advantage that it is slightly less invasive and usually does not require the extensive bowel preparation required for colonoscopy, it is also rather less invasive. However unlike colonoscopy it does not usually enable the whole of the large bowel to be visualised. Many of the risks inherent in colonoscopy are also present for patients undergoing sigmoidoscopy.