Your provider has recommended this procedure for colon cancer screening or for investigation of symptoms that could be from conditions of the lower part of your colon. The flexible sigmoidoscope is gently introduced into the rectum and advanced into the colon. You may experience some discomfort and/or pain during the procedure. Afterwards, you may have some cramping and bloating from the air that was instilled during the procedure. You will feel better after you pass the air. The procedure takes about 10 minutes. If any abnormal tissue is seen, a biopsy forceps can be passed through the sigmoidoscope in order to sample it for pathology.

The benefits of the procedure include but are not limited to:

1. Aid in the diagnosis of diseases, colon cancer, and precancerous growths affecting the lower part of the colon.
2. Ability to biopsy abnormal tissue through the scope.

The risks of the procedure are infrequent. They include, but are not limited to:

1. Perforation (making a tear or hole in the wall of the colon), possibly requiring surgery to correct.
2. Excessive bleeding from biopsies or polyp removals, possibly requiring transfusion or surgery to correct.
3. Infection.

If you have any further questions about this procedure, the doctor or nurse endoscopist will be happy to answer them for you.