A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the lower portion of the large intestine, specifically the rectum and the sigmoid colon. This diagnostic tool utilizes a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to investigate symptoms or screen for conditions like polyps and early-stage cancer. While the actual examination is quick, often lasting less than 20 minutes, patients must account for a larger time commitment that includes preparation, check-in, and a short recovery period. Understanding this total timeline helps patients plan effectively for the procedure.
Pre-Procedure Preparation Timeline
The time commitment for a sigmoidoscopy begins well before the appointment date, focusing on cleansing the lower bowel so the doctor can see clearly. Patients typically start modifying their diet one to three days prior, often shifting to low-fiber foods or a clear liquid diet the day before the test. This dietary restriction minimizes solid waste and makes the subsequent cleansing steps more effective.
The active bowel preparation, known as prep, is completed in the hours immediately preceding the procedure. This cleansing usually involves using an enema or a mild oral laxative to evacuate remaining stool from the rectum and sigmoid colon. Depending on the facility’s instructions, this process can take several hours or be completed with a single application on the morning of the procedure. Thorough preparation ensures the lining of the colon is visible, contributing to a fast and successful examination.
The Duration of the Examination
The actual period during which the flexible tube, or scope, is inside the body is brief and represents the core of the procedure timeline. Once the patient is positioned, the insertion, advancement, and detailed examination of the sigmoid colon typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes. The healthcare provider guides the scope through the rectum and into the lower descending colon, observing the mucosal lining for any abnormalities.
Several factors can influence whether the procedure lasts closer to 10 or 20 minutes. If the physician encounters small polyps, the time is extended slightly to perform a polypectomy, which is the immediate removal of the growth using instruments passed through the scope’s channel. The successful removal of these growths is a preventative measure against colorectal cancer.
If the colon has difficult bends or if the patient experiences discomfort, the physician must slow the advancement of the scope, which can add a few minutes to the total duration. Collecting a tissue sample, or biopsy, from a suspicious area also lengthens the examination time. However, the procedure is designed to be an efficient screening and diagnostic tool, and it rarely exceeds 25 minutes even with minor interventions.
Post-Procedure and Total Appointment Time
While the examination itself is short, the total time required for the clinic visit is significantly longer, usually totaling between 45 minutes and one hour. This timeframe begins with the check-in process, where administrative tasks, verification of medical history, and checking of baseline measurements take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The patient is then asked to change into a gown and is positioned in the examination room.
Following the 10-to-20-minute examination, patients move into a short recovery or observation phase. This post-procedure period ensures stability and allows the patient to pass any residual air used to inflate the colon for better viewing. The introduction of air, a necessary step to straighten the colon walls, often causes temporary side effects like bloating or mild cramping until the gas is expelled.
This immediate recovery and discharge phase generally lasts 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the body to settle before the patient is released. Since sigmoidoscopy typically does not require deep anesthesia, the recovery period is minimal compared to other endoscopic procedures. Patients are usually fully alert and can typically drive themselves home and resume normal activities shortly thereafter.
Receiving and Understanding the Results
The timeline for receiving results is split into immediate findings and final pathology reports. The physician who performed the sigmoidoscopy can often share the visual findings, such as the presence of hemorrhoids, diverticula, or inflamed tissue, immediately after the procedure is complete. They will discuss any polyps found and removed, as well as the overall appearance of the lower colon lining.
If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, the tissue sample must be sent to a pathology laboratory for detailed analysis. The histopathology report confirms the nature of the cells—for example, whether a polyp is benign or precancerous—and takes longer to process. Patients should expect to wait approximately 3 to 10 business days for the final, complete report to be delivered by the ordering physician.