How is a Sigmoidoscopy Done?

For performing the examination with the flexible sigmoidoscope, the patient must lie on the left side, in the so called sims position. The bowels are previously emptied with a suppository and a digital rectal examination is first performed. The sigmoidoscope is lubricated and inserted in general direction of the umbilicus. The physician is able to navigate the curves of the sigmoid colon with the controls on the head of the sigmoidoscope.