A sigmoidoscopy helps your doctor look at the lower part of your large
intestine (sigmoid colon). The test is done using a lighted viewing scope
(sigmoidoscope).
During a sigmoidoscopy, puffs of air sometimes are
blown through the scope to open the colon so that your doctor can see more
clearly. Your doctor will move the scope as far as possible into your lower
colon. Then the scope is slowly withdrawn while the colon is carefully
inspected. Your doctor may also insert tiny instruments through the scope to
get tissue samples (biopsy) or to take out growths.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerArvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
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