Rigid sigmoidoscopy

This procedure usually takes place in the office and less frequently as part of an examination under anaesthesia. It involves the use of a transluscent rigid tube with a light at the end that is used to look inside the rectum and the lower part of the bowel. Lying on your left side with the knees bend the sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum through the back passage and some gas is inflated in order to be able to see the lining of your bowel in more detail and assess it. If required biopsies of the bowel wall or of any lesions can be taken. The procedure only lasts for a few seconds.