What does a flexible sigmoidoscopy feel like? are you out for it?

'Flex sig' ='cramps': For a 'flex sig' you are usually awake with no anesthesia unless arranged ahead of time with your doctor/G.I. Doctor . The pain/cramps you experience is from the air placed in the lower colon so we can see the entire bowel wall . The usual indications for flex sig are for follow-up for known proctitis (colitis) otherwise a full colonoscopy is the best test for colon cancer screening.

Gas. Usually not.: Flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually perfomed without sedation. It is well tolerated. The sensation is like intestinal gas- some pressure but not intolerable. The use of carbon dioxide rather than air for inflation makes the procedure less uncomfortable.