Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Before your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you'll meet with your gastroenterology consultant. They’ll explain what the test involves, how to prepare for it, and will answer any questions you may have.

When you discuss the procedure, tell your specialist about any medications or supplements you take, as well as medical conditions you have. You may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure.

You don’t usually need an anaesthetic or sedative for a flexible sigmoidoscopy, since it typically causes little pain. If you're very nervous about it, you can discuss this with your specialist beforehand, and sedation can be arranged.

During a flexible sigmoidoscopy: 

• you’ll be asked to lie on your side 

• the endoscope will be inserted through your rectum 

• carbon dioxide gas will be gently pumped inside to allow the lining of your lower bowel to be seen more clearly

• your consultant will look at images on a screen

• your consultant may take small samples of tissue (biopsies) from the lining of your bowel for examination in the laboratory, or remove any polyps 

• the endoscope will be removed when the procedure is over

A flexible sigmoidoscopy test takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Your consultant will talk to you about what they’ve seen and any next steps at the end of the procedure. If any biopsies were taken, they’ll let you know when to expect the results from these and will arrange a follow-up appointment.

Complications after a flexible sigmoidoscopy are very rare when this procedure is performed by experienced gastroenterology specialists.

You may feel rather bloated and experience mild abdominal cramping (tummy cramps) and pressure on the tummy for a short time. This will be due to the air that was passed into the colon during the examination. These symptoms will usually disappear after a few hours. Rectal bleeding (bleeding from the bottom) can occur several days after the examination if you’ve had a biopsy.

Contact your specialist if you notice:

• severe abdominal pain (tummy ache)

• high temperature (fever) or chills

• rectal bleeding of more than half a cup

You can reduce your risk of flexible sigmoidoscopy complications by carefully following your specialist’s instructions, such as fasting and stopping certain medications before the procedure.

Before your sigmoidoscopy, you'll meet your consultant. They’ll explain what the procedure involves, how to prepare for it, and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to tell your specialist about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions (such as heart or lung problems). You may need to stop certain medicines beforehand, and you may also need to fast if you’re receiving sedation.

On the day of the test, you'll be given an enema to help empty the lower part of your bowel. A nurse will gently put some fluid into your back passage while you lie on your side. After about 5 to 10 minutes, you'll go to the toilet to pass the fluid and clear out the waste.

Following your flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure, you'll be able to rest in a private, comfortable recovery area and return home when ready, without an overnight stay.

If you didn’t have a sedative, you should be able to resume your normal activities that day. If you are given a sedative, this will affect your reflexes for the rest of the day. So, it’s important to arrange to have someone collect you after the procedure. Do not drive or operate machinery until the next day.

Some results from the test will be available on the same day, and your gastroenterologist will discuss these with you before you leave. Results from a biopsy may take a few days to become available.

After your flexible sigmoidoscopy, you may feel some discomfort from trapped air. This should settle over the first few hours. To help pass the wind, we suggest you walk around if possible, drink warm drinks, or sip peppermint water.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy starts from £1,595.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a flexible sigmoidoscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.