Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is the use of a flexible fiberoptic camera or specially designed scope to examine the inside of the colon. Because the procedure only examines the left side of the colon (in an area called the sigmoid), it is termed sigmoidoscopy. This is to differentiate it from a colonoscopy, where the entire right and left side of the colon is examined. A sigmoidoscopy typically requires an enema.