DefinitionBy Mayo Clinic staff CLICK TO ENLARGE A 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 two feet (61 centimeters) 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. - Corbett JV.
Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures With Nursing
Diagnoses. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice
Hall; 2008:743. - Levin B, et al. Screening and surveillance for
the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps,
2008: A joint guideline from th