A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large bowel) by inserting a thin, flexible tube into the anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and lower part of the colon.
If the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal, a forcep instrument is passed through the colonoscope to obtain a sample of the colon lining for further testing. If polyps are found, they can be sampled, by usually cannot be removed, if required, during this procedure. Your physician will likely order a colonscopy for a polyp removal.
Information adapted from the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
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