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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the large intestine (colon).
During a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, a thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and most of the sigmoid colon — about the last 2 feet (.6 meters) of the large intestine. If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken through the scope during a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy doesn't allow the doctor to see the entire colon. As a result, any cancers or polyps farther into the colon can't be detected with flexible sigmoidoscopy.
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- Fletcher RH. Screening strategies in patients at average risk for colorectal cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 17, 2009.
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- Frequently asked questions about colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_Frequent_Questions_About_Colonoscopy_and_Sigmoidoscopy.asp. Accessed March 27, 2009.
- Charette A. Patient information: Flexible sigmoidoscopy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/sigmoidoscopy/index.htm. Accessed March 17, 2009.
