Why should I bother to have a sigmoidoscopy if it only looks at part of the colon?
A. In the following situations, a sigmoidoscopy may be more appropriate than a colonoscopy: 1) If the symptoms suggest that the problem might be found in the lower part of the colon, a sigmoidoscopy might render an answer faster and with less preparation than a colonoscopy. 2) If a process of active inflammation is suspected, it is often recommended to start with a sigmoidoscopy to evaluate the extent of the inflammation and to “chart the waters” because a colonoscopy in this situation may be riskier. 3) In certain cases such as diarrhea due to infection, a sigmoidoscopy might be more desirable. Consult with the doctor at Gastrointestinal Associates if you have further questions.
