A Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the large intestine (colon & rectum). The Consultant Gastroenterologist uses a long thin flexible colonoscope (scope), which is an instrument with a camera and apparatus that can enable the doctor to remove tissue if necessary.

Your GP may refer you for a Colonoscopy if you present with any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Altered bowel habits
• Familial polyposis syndrome
• Family history of Colon Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (eg Crohn’s; Ulcerative Colitis) Surveillance
• Iron deficiency Anaemia
• PR Bleeding
• Previous Polyps
• Rectal bleeding

This list is not exhaustive.

Sigmoidoscopy

A Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lower large intestine (sigmoid colon). It is a variation on a Colonoscopy and again may be performed in relation to the list of symptoms presented above.

The Consultant Gastroenterologist uses a shorter flexible colonoscope (scope), which is an instrument with a camera and apparatus that can enable the doctor to remove tissue if necessary.