The lesser known bowel exam: a flexible sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an investigative test to assess the lower bowel and allows the specialist to view the actual lining of the bowel. It is performed endoscopically and may be used to investigate possible cases of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cancer. This test is often performed if a patient presents with unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding or weight loss. Mr Tariq Ismail, a leading colorectal surgeon, gives us an overview of what exactly a flexible sigmoidoscopy involves.