Blood In Your Poo: What Does It Mean – And What Should I Do About It?
19/5/2025
LivingCare offers expert sigmoidoscopy procedures to investigate lower bowel symptoms with minimal discomfort. Our specialists use advanced flexible endoscopes to examine the rectum and lower colon, providing accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment when needed. Book your appointment at our Leeds or Sheffield facilities with rapid access and comprehensive aftercare.
Sigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that allows our specialist gastroenterologists to examine the rectum and the lower portion of your large bowel (sigmoid colon) using a thin, flexible endoscope. While a full colonoscopy examines the entire colon, sigmoidoscopy focuses only on the lower 40-60cm of the bowel, where many common conditions develop.
Sigmoidoscopy can detect certain conditions at an early stage and radically improve the outcome of treatment. An Imperial College study discovered that screening of this kind led to 56% fewer cancers in the lower bowel, and the risk of dying from these cancers dropped by two-thirds (66%) in those being screened. (https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2017/02/22/a-one-off-bowel-scope-helps-prevent-bowel-cancer-but-its-taking-time-to-reach-everyone-eligible/)
This targeted examination is particularly valuable for investigating symptoms affecting the lower digestive system and can often provide definitive answers in a shorter, more comfortable procedure than a full colonoscopy. At LivingCare, we perform sigmoidoscopy at both our Leeds and Sheffield locations, ensuring convenient access to expert care across Yorkshire.
Our consultants typically recommend sigmoidoscopy when you experience:
You are recommended for a sigmoidoscopy if you have specific medical concerns. If your family has a history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, you may want the peace of mind that screening can offer. You can also use a sigmoidoscopy to monitor conditions like ulcerative colitis or to track your recovery from colon cancer treatment. Additionally, a sigmoidoscopy is a helpful tool to investigate unexplained rectal symptoms or test results from a stool test.
Studies show that flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect up to 75% of colorectal abnormalities in the examined area, making it a highly effective diagnostic tool for lower bowel conditions. With LivingCare, you’ll typically discuss your results immediately and receive any biopsy results in 7-10 days.
Our specialists use state-of-the-art, flexible endoscopes with high-definition cameras and LED lighting. They are skinny: around 12mm wide and 60cm long. Despite their size, these advanced instruments deliver exceptional image quality while remaining comfortable for patients.
Additional procedures may be necessary, such as biopsy collection, where small tissue samples are taken painlessly for laboratory analysis. A sigmoidoscopy can also be used to remove small polyps using specialised instruments, treat bleeding areas, or remove small lesions.
What to eat
Starting 48 hours before your appointment, you must avoid high-fibre foods, including whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables, and foods with skins – like tomatoes, grapes and peas.
You should choose low-fibre alternatives, like white bread instead of wholemeal, and white rice instead of brown rice. You should also choose white meat, fish and eggs instead of red meat.
Managing your medications
Stop taking iron supplements 5 days before the sigmoidoscopy. You can continue taking other essential medications unless your doctor advises you not to. If you take blood thinners, you may need to adjust them. LivingCare will discuss this with you and discuss any diabetes medications or insulin requirements.
Preparing for the procedure
We'll provide specific instructions for bowel preparation, typically involving drinking clear liquids only for 12-24 hours before the procedure, and taking prescribed solutions to help clear the lower bowel. We’ll give you a detailed timeline for all these steps.
Comfort Options:
Procedure Timeline:
If you underwent the procedure without sedation, you can resume normal activities immediately. If you took sedation, you’ll need to stay in the recovery area for monitoring for 30-60 minutes, and have someone to drive you home. You should rest for the remainder of the day and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
A Sigmoidoscopy is considered a safe test. However, being aware of the risks and side effects is important.
Common, Minor Effects (experienced by some patients):
Serious Complications (less than 1 in 5,000 procedures):
Resume normal eating immediately unless advised otherwise. You may return to work the same day if you did not have sedation. However, if you had sedation, you should wait until the next day before you return to work. You can go back to normal activities and exercise after 24 hours.
Sigmoidoscopy examines only the lower 40-60cm of the bowel, while colonoscopy examines the entire colon. It's quicker, requires less preparation, and usually doesn't require sedation.
Yes, your consultant will discuss visual findings immediately after the procedure. If biopsies are taken, detailed results take 7-10 days.
This depends on your individual risk factors and findings. Your consultant will recommend an appropriate surveillance schedule.
We're always on hand, so get in touch and we'll get back to you straight away.
Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Give us a call or use our contact form to get in touch with us. After receiving your referral, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time and date for your appointment.
We Contact You
Within 24 hours, a member of our team will offer you an appointment date and time that suits you. Following the scheduling of your appointment, you will be required to attend one of our clinics for your consultation or scan.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment on your chosen date and time to see one of our highly qualified consultants. After your appointment, a consultant will prepare a written report, which will be sent to your referring clinician within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you require any further tests, treatments, or reviews, we will refer you and take care of the booking process. If you need a copy of your report or images, please contact us, and we can arrange this.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists—consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.
28/4/2025