Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists logo for printSouthern Gastroenterology Associates, LLC

Phone: 678-985-2000

763 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

2295 Ronald Reagan Parkway, Suite 100, Snellville, GA 30078

3655 Howell Ferry Rd, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30096

2108 Teron Trace, Suite 100, Dacula, GA 30019

5185 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

101 Tara Commons Drive, Loganville, GA 30052

678-985-2000
Offices in Lawrenceville, Snellville, Duluth, Dacula/Hamilton Mill, Peachtree Corners/Norcross & Loganville.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum.

Why Sigmoidoscopy is Performed

Your doctor may recommend this test to look for the cause of:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits
  • Blood, mucus, or pus in the stool
  • Weight loss

This test can also be used to:

  • Confirm findings of another test or x-rays
  • Screen for colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Take a biopsy of a growth

How Sigmoidoscopy is Performed

You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest.

Your gastroenterologist will perform the test.

The doctor will carefully place a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to check for blockage and gently enlarge (dilate) the anus. This is called a digital rectal exam.

Next, a flexible tube with a camera on the (sigmoidoscope) is placed through the anus. The scope is gently moved into your colon. Air is inserted into the colon to enlarge the area and help the doctor see better. The air may cause the urge to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Suction may be used to remove fluid or stool.

The doctor may take tissue samples with a tiny biopsy tool inserted through the scope. Heat (electrocautery) may be used to remove polyps. Images of the inside of your colon may be taken.

Sigmoidoscopy using a rigid scope may be done to treat problems of the anus or rectum.

How Sigmoidoscopy Will Feel

During the exam you may feel:

  • Pressure during the digital rectal exam or when the scope is placed in your rectum
  • The need to have a bowel movement
  • Some bloating or cramping caused by the air or by stretching of the bowel by the sigmoidoscope

After the test, your body will pass the air that was put into your colon.

Children may be sedated for this procedure.

Southern Endoscopy Suite

Information about the Southern Endoscopy Suite at Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists

The practice's wholly owned endoscopy center is a newly enlarged, state-of-the-art, nationally accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center. Procedures we perform include:

Meet Our Gastroenterologists

Meet the gastroenterologists of Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists

Gastroenterologists are physicians trained in internal medicine who have undergone further training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system, or GI tract.

Digestive Conditions We Treat

Digestive Digestive Conditions treated by Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists

Our gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the GI tract including the esophagus, stomach, bowel, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. GI conditions treated include: