Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

New Jersey Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Testing

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the rectum and a portion of the colon (large intestine). It is often used to diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Is can also be used to screen for rectal and colon cancer.

Preparing for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This procedure can be done with or without sedation. You get to decide whether or not sedation will be used, and your doctor can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you.

If you choose to have sedation, you will need to fast for 6 hours prior to the procedure. Patients who are sedated will not be able to drive for several hours afterward, so you will need someone to drive you home from the hospital or clinic. The sedative should help you drift to sleep before your procedure begins, so if you are feeling nervous about pain or discomfort during the sigmoidoscopy, accepting the sedative could help ease your anxiety.

The Procedure

Whether you are sedated or not, the flexible sigmoidoscopy should not cause any significant pain. The doctor will insert the scope through the rectum and into the colon. You may feel bloated or cramping while this is happening. This procedure only lasts about 15 minutes, and you will be able to return home not long after it has concluded.

If polyps are discovered, your doctor will likely recommend you return for a colonoscopy at a later date. Polyps can be precancerous, and removing them is an important step in preventing colorectal cancer.




Patient Stories

  • “That’s just the kind of person I am. You can’t knock me down.”

    Debbie
    Read More
  • “A week after surgery at MMC, I had a birthday party to go to-and, to my surprise, I was up for it.”

    Katherine
    Read More
  • Susan was able to leave the hospital the day after surgery.

    Susan
    Read More

Patient Stories

  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial
Endoscopy Center Of Red Bank Pa
365 Broad Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 842-9129
View
Hamilton Endoscopy And Surgery Center
1235 Whitehorse Mercerville Road
Building C, Suite 310
Hamilton, NJ 08619
(609) 581-6610
View
Pediatric Subspecialty Center at Toms River - The Unterberg Children's Hospital at Monmouth
67 Route 37 West
Riverwood 2 Building – 3rd Floor
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-3541
View
RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
200 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-7000
View
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5000
View
Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 222-5200
View
Clara Maass Medical Center
1 Clara Maass Drive
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 450-2000
View
Community Medical Center
99 Highway 37 West
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-8000
View
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
View
Jersey City Medical Center
355 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2000
View
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 381-4200
View
RWJ University Hospital Somerset
110 Rehill Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-2200
View
Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Williamson Street Campus
225 Williamson St
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
(908) 994-5000
View
RWJ University Hospital Hamilton
1 Hamilton Health Place
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 586-7900
View
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
View
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
600 River Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 363-1900
View
Ridgedale Surgery Center
14 Ridgedale Ave
Ste 120
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
(973) 605-5151
View
Hudson Crossing Surgery Center
2 Executive Drive
Suite 102
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
(201) 470-6977
View

Digestive Health Treatment & Care

offered at these locations in your neighborhood

View All Locations