Flexible sigmoidoscopy

    A flex sigmoidoscopy examines your rectum and lower part of the colon with a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. This is a method of screening for colorectal cancer.

    female doctor with blue clipboard

    What is a flex sigmoidoscopy?

    This colorectal cancer screening method examines only the rectum and lower part of the colon with a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope.

    This option:

    • Can find cancer in earliest stage, when most treatable
    • Rarely has complications
    • Is usually less expensive option to colonoscopy (when not a routine screening)

    The details

    • Flexible sigmoidoscopy, or flex sig, is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon (the last one-third of the colon) and rectum (which connects the sigmoid colon to the anus).
    • Using a flexible tube (scope), your doctor can detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growths and ulcers.
    • This screening method is used to look for early signs of cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus and weight loss.

    Will my insurance cover it?

    Many insurance plans cover the screening test every four to five years starting at age 50. Medicare covers it once every four years; you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after Part B deductible.
     

    blue surgical mask

    The pros & cons

    Advantages

    • Can identify polyps before they turn into cancer
    • Usually does not require sedation 
    • Moderate cost; covered by most insurance
    • Can accurately find polyps in the lower part of the colon 

    Disadvantages

    • Not all polyps can be removed during the procedure but they can be biopsied; will need to get a colonoscopy if biopsy is positive for colorectal cancer
    • Requires enema preparation
    • Patients may find test uncomfortable or embarrassing
    • Small risk of perforation or bleeding
    • Does not examine the first half of the colon 
    glass jar with water and straw

    The prep

    Preparation for flex sig can vary. Some doctors will recommend one or more enemas before the procedure, others will recommend a clear liquid diet for one to three days, while others will advise you to forgo any prep. 

    Your doctor will tell you the specifics on what will be the best prep method for you.

    The procedure: what to expect

    1. To start the procedure, you will lie on your left side on an exam table.
    2. Your doctor then inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope, or scope, into the anus and slowly guides it through the rectum and into the sigmoid colon.
    3. The scope inflates the colon with air to give the doctor a better view.
    4. A tiny camera mounted on the scope transmits a video image from inside the colon to a computer screen, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the tissues lining the sigmoid colon and rectum.
    5. You may be asked to move periodically so the scope can be adjusted for better viewing.
    6. The lining of your colon is then examined again as the scope makes its way out.
    7. You may experience a feeling of pressure, bloating or cramping during the procedure, but this will quickly subside once the air passes out of you.
    8. And the best part: as soon as the procedure is finished, you can get dressed, leave on your own, drive and resume your normal diet and activities right after.

    Top resources

    View all resources
    A photograph of Lexie in a chemotherapy chair.

    Lexie Haglund: Beating stage IV CRC

    Discover how knowing her G12C biomarker guided Lexie’s stage IV colorectal cancer treatment — from a shock diagnosis to HIPEC surgery — and why screening, research, and self-advocacy matter.

    Last updated