A 44-year-old member asked:
Please tell me about flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy ?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sewa Leghaanswered
Medical Oncology 52 years experience
Two separate procedu: These are two separate procedures for checking the large intestine. Sigmoidoscope is shorter and can look inside about one half of the( lower) colon. Colonoscopy is done with a colonoscope, which is much longer and can go up all the way into the entire colon and check it out for any internal disease of the colon like cancer or polyps.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 35-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me about having a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Eric Kaplananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 44 years experience
Both look at: The lower colon but the colonoscopy looks at the entire colon. Preps are different, colonoscopy usually requires sedation and thus someone to drive home, but flex sig can be done in office without sedation and you can resume normal activity right away. Indication are different for each so it depends on the reason you are having the exam in the first place.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
What is it like to have a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy ?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Lloydanswered
48 years experience
Depends!: Very few physicians perform sigmoidoscopy anymore (only checks half the colon and no sedation!). Colonoscopy is usually done with sedation or anesthesia. The procedure itself is usually not uncomfortable. The cleaning out preparation can be arduous. Colonoscopy is 50 times more life saving than a mammogram!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 17, 2013
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