Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a medical test where a doctor looks inside your lower colon (the section of the large intestine just before the rectum). A sigmoidoscope, which is a thin flexible tube with a light and camera on the end, is used to do the test. The tube is inserted through the anus (bottom) and into the colon. The doctor can look at the inside of the colon, take pictures and take samples of tissue for testing. The test may take around 15 minutes. Sigmoidoscopy helps the doctor to look for any problems in the lower colon, such as growths or inflammation (swelling).