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.
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.
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
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
- To start the procedure, you will lie on your left side on an exam table.
- 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.
- The scope inflates the colon with air to give the doctor a better view.
- 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.
- You may be asked to move periodically so the scope can be adjusted for better viewing.
- The lining of your colon is then examined again as the scope makes its way out.
- 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.
- 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.
Getting others to get screened
Ten ways to encourage loved ones to get screenedTop resources
Alliance supports legislation for multi-cancer early detection
Learn how the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is advocating for the passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 2407), a bipartisan bill that ensures immediate Medicare coverage for life-saving cancer detection tests once approved by the FDA.
Krazati approved for previously treated KRASG12C colorectal cancer
The treatment option is for patients with KRASG12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) who have received prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy.
Alliance adds partners to expand 45+ Reasons campaign
The Alliance’s 45+ Reasons campaign is part of the Cycles of Impact initiative launched and supported by Independence Blue Cross in 2022 to address the urgent public health issue of colorectal cancer among the Black population.