When is a rigid sigmoidoscopy used instead of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy?

A rigid sigmoidoscopy is used when your specialist needs to examine only the rectum and anus. Because the scope is shorter, the test is quick and comfortable and doesn’t require preparation or a sedative. Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy allow a view further up the bowel but require more extensive preparation of the bowel and sometimes the use of a sedative. At Welbeck, we aim for the right balance between diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort, and we will advise which test is most suitable for you.