Why do I need a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

You have been referred for a flexible sigmoidoscopy to help find out more about the cause of any problematic symptoms such as:
 

• persistent diarrhoea

• a change in bowel habit

• rectal bleeding (bleeding from your back passage)

• abdominal pain

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A flexible sigmoidoscopy can be arranged to remove a polyp or check that a large polyp previously removed has healed. It is also used as part of the bowel cancer screening programme (BowelScope).

During the procedure, the endoscopist will be able to see the lining of your bowel; they will look for any evidence of disease, polyps or cancers in the bowel that may be causing your symptoms. The results of the procedure will help your doctor decide on the best course of treatment for your symptoms and to identify the need for any further investigations.