Is flexible sigmoidoscopy safer than colonoscopy?

Sigmoidoscopy is less invasive than colonoscopy and carries a lower risk of the colon being perforated, which may make it more acceptable as a screening test to some patients,” said Barnett Kramer, M.D., director of NCI’s Division of Cancer Prevention.

Is a sigmoidoscopy more painful than a colonoscopy?

FS is more uncomfortable than colonoscopy; however, for the majority it is a tolerable experience. Women found FS only slightly more painful than men. The worst part of either procedure was the preparation. Embarrassment with either procedure was minimal.

Is a sigmoidoscopy as good as a colonoscopy?

Sigmoidoscopy is just as good as colonoscopy at finding and removing precancerous colon polyps in the left side of the colon, where two out of three colon cancers arise.

Is a flexible sigmoidoscopy the same as a colonoscopy?

The difference between the two tests is the part of the colon they allow the doctor to see. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive, because it only looks at the lower part of your colon. A colonoscopy looks at the entire large intestine.

How does a colonoscopy differ from a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are tests that both screen for colon cancer; however they differ in which areas of the colon they can see . Flexible sigmoidoscopy only examines the rectum and lower third of the colon. Whereas, a colonoscopy examines the rectum and the entire length of the colon.

Why is a flexible sigmoidoscopy recommended?

Indications for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. There are a number of reasons why FS may be recommended. Patients with intestinal signs and symptoms, such as bleeding from the anus accompanied by abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and/or weight loss are prime reasons for the examination.

What problems can a flexible sigmoidoscopy cause?

Bleeding and perforation are the most common complications from flexible sigmoidoscopy. Most cases of bleeding occur in patients who have polyps removed. The doctor can treat bleeding that occurs during the flexible sigmoidoscopy right away.

How the procedure of flexible sigmoidoscopy is performed?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy usually lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. You may not need to be sedated. Your doctor will have you lie on your left side, with your knees drawn up. He will insert the sigmoidoscope through the rectum and pass it into your sigmoid colon. The doctor will use a small amount of air to expand the colon to see the colon walls.