Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This five-to-ten minute procedure allows physicians to see the lower colon and rectum, and is particularly useful in evaluating hemorrhoids and diagnosing causes of diarrhea. Once the standard screening test for colorectal cancer, flexible sigmoidoscopy has been supplanted by colonoscopy in that application but remains a fast, simple and useful diagnostic tool. No sedation or anesthesia is required for this procedure.